SILENT-WINGED OWLS OF NORTH AMERICA 



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I National (_reographic Soniely 



HOBGOBLIN OF THE DARK IS THE POORLY NAMED SCREECH OWL 



A high-pitched quavering note is its nearest approach to a screech, but the uncanny call 

 sometimes stirs the superstitious, who go to fantastic ends to break hs "evil spell." Because 

 these small birds destroy harmful mice and insects, they bespeak man's protection. There is no 

 satisfactory explanation as to why the eastern screech owls (lower pair) develop the two plumage 

 phases, red and gray. Kennicott's (top with young) inhabits northwestern North America. 



