GREAT HORNED OWL. 179 



sometimes found. The period of incubation is, probably, about four 

 weeks. 



The young grow slowly and remain in the nest from ten to twelve 

 weeks. Until four or five months old they retain considerable down, 

 and it is probably not until August that they molt their first feathers 

 and gain the full plumage. 



After the breeding season the Great Horned Owl, like many others, 

 will wander more or less in search of food, but at no time is there a 

 migration which is at all comparable to that of the Snowy or Hawk 

 Owls. Though a bird of retiring habits, this is one of the best-known 

 species, from its large size, striking appearance, beautiful plumage, 

 and particularly from the frequent forages it makes on the poultry 

 yard. Although averaging a little less in measurement than the Snowy 

 or Great Gray Owls, it is probably heavier than either. 



It inhabits large wooded tracts, and where this character of country 

 exists it is a common species. Like many other birds and auimals it 

 becomes scarce or disappears altogether from localities where the 

 demands of agriculture cause the melting away of the forests and 

 woodlands. In its forest home it finds not only more or less seclusion 

 from the bright rays of the sun and from the worry of its numerous 

 tormentors, but also the various mammals and birds upon which it 

 chiefly subsists. Thus its abode is not only a citadel but also a well- 

 stocked larder. Although it remains quiet on bright days, its vision 

 is powerful in the strongest light. Any one who has ever attempted to 

 stalk one of these Owls is well aware what a difficult task it is and 

 how much better is the Owl's eyesight than his own. In dark, cloudy 

 weather this species flies more or less at all times of the day, and in 

 the breeding season it probably hunts day or night in differently. 



Dr. Coues, in the 'Birds of the Northwest,' relates that a couple of 

 pet Owls watched without inconvenience two white cranes which were 

 circling half a mile high in the direct line of the sun. Looking up to 

 see what had attracted the bird's attention the doctor was nearly blinded 

 by the intense light of the sun's rays. 



In disposition the Horned Owl is fierce and untamable, and in point 

 of strength and courage is inferior to none of our rapacious birds. It 

 is so savage and seemingly so devoid of the confidence usually shown 

 by the birds of prey kept in confinement that it is with the greatest 

 difficulty that it can be tamed even when taken young from the nest. 

 It is morose and sullen, lacks affection for its keepers, and often will fly 

 viciously at anyone who attempts to handle it or enter the apartment, 

 in which it is confined. A notable exception to this untamable char- 

 acter are the two Owls above mentioned, belonging to Dr. Coues. They 

 were kind and gentle and showed no impatience when handled, and 

 were allowed their liberty at night, which they spent in foraging, but 

 always returned in the morning. 



