114 STR1GID.E. 



lating with the dead, or withering leaves of autumn, also 

 contributes to ensure its safety. 



In open unsheltered country this species is seldom, if 

 ever, met with. Dark woods, and thick plantations over- 

 grown with underwood, are, however, the only shelter sought 

 by this Owl, which is never known to inhabit ruins, rocks, 

 or hollow trees, like some others of its tribe. It is found 

 in most parts of the world, in countries well covered with 

 wood ; but, although it remains in England during the 

 winter, it is considered to be migratory on the Continent of 

 Europe. 



Nest-building is not much studied by any of the members 

 of this family ; and as the Long-eared Owl never avails 

 itself of the remains of human architecture in the shape 

 of old ruins, like most other species, it is compelled to seek 

 the accommodation afforded by the deserted habitation of 

 some other bird, and frequently chooses that of the pigeon, 

 if sufficiently sheltered, of the magpie, or the squirrel. 

 The eggs deposited are four or five in number, white and 

 round. 



The young birds are at first covered with white down. 

 This soon becomes yellowish, intermixed with brown ; by 

 degrees the dusky face appears, and the tufts begin to rise, in 

 the form of two elevations, streaked with brown. 



The call-note of this species, which is occasionally heard 

 in the evening, or during the night in the spring, is de- 

 scribed to be a long-drawn note, resembling the word hook, 

 the latter part of the word being pronounced half a note 

 higher than the beginning ; sometimes a hollow booming 

 noise is uttered by them. 



The note of the young birds is similar to that of the 

 parents, but uttered in a higher key. 



In entire length this bird measures fourteen or fifteen 



