SNOWY OWL. 135 



the heart of Germany, and also been seen in Switzerland. 

 In the northern parts of Asia and America they are not 

 unfrequently met with near the habitations of men. Moun- 

 tainous and wooded country seems to suit their choice best ; 

 but in North America they are not uncommon among barren 

 and perpendicular rocks. 



It is said that the Snowy Owl is very shy ; and such may 

 be the case with a single wandering bird, when out of its 

 latitude with us ; but many instances have been recorded of 

 these birds accompanying a sportsman during a whole day 

 when out shooting, and of their seizing upon and consuming 

 before his eyes the game which he has brought down with 

 his gun ; and even when a shot is fired, they come to the 

 well-known sound in order to obtain food in an easy manner. 



The cry of this bird has been compared to the grunting 

 of pigs, or the lamentations of a person in great danger. 



In their actions they are as agile as the Hawks ; and in 

 their flight bear more resemblance to them than to the owls 

 in general. Their flight is quick and powerful ; and they 

 sometimes continue the chase in search of food all day long, 

 even in hot summer weather ; as although they can bear the 

 severest cold, they do not mind a tolerable degree of heat. 



They are said not to live long in confinement, although 

 we can refer our readers to the beautiful specimens in the 

 Zoological Gardens, which we have known there for some 

 years, alive, and in good condition. 



The food of the Snowy Owl is hares, rabbits, and other 

 animals, and every kind of bird, as woodgrouse, partridges, &.c 

 In the northern climates they consume a great quantity of 

 ptarmigans. When on the look out for their prey, they fly 

 near the ground, and strike the object of their pursuit with 

 the feet, throwing themselves upon it in a slanting direction : 

 the smaller mamalia are thus caught when running. If unable 

 to obtain living food, these birds will feed on carrion. 



The Snowy Owls build their nests according to report on 

 rocks, or on the bare ground. They usually breed in high 



