BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 105 



tions of Pennsylvania, where formerly it is said to have been quite 

 plentiful. I have never found this species breeding in eastern Penn- 

 sylvania. Prof. Gentry, however, who has been more fortunate, says: 

 " In the selection of a place for nesting purposes, these Owls vary in 

 different localities. In eastern Pennsylvania generally a hollow tree, 

 chiefly an apple or an oak, is chosen, but occasionally, a dilapidated 

 and unoccupied barn ; but more rarely, an occupied building in close 

 proximity to man. When the former situations are chosen, the hollow 

 is lined with a few dried grasses and feathers, although instances are 

 not unfrequently met with where the eggs are deposited upon the bare 

 bottom. In the latter places, a few rude sticks constitute a frame- 

 work which is lined with a few fine grasses and feathers. It is depos- 

 ited upon a short timber in a somewhat inaccessible part of the build- 

 ing. Nesting ordinarily takes place early in March, although we have 

 observed newly-built nests in the latter part of February. Oviposi- 

 tion commences about the second week of March. The number of 

 eggs laid varies from three to four, very rarely more. 

 The eggs are somewhat subpherical, scarcely more pointed at one 

 extremity than the other, unless in exceptional cases ; of a bluish- 

 white color, and measure 1.67 inches in length, and 1.37 in width. 

 They vary, however, in size in different localities." 



It is generally believed that the Barn Owl is decidedly crepus- 

 cular and nocturnal in its habits, never venturing out from its hiding 

 place in quest of the particular insects and quadrupeds which consti- 

 tute a conspicuous portion of its diet. During cloudy weather, and 

 even late in the afternoon, it is no uncommon thing to find it abroad 

 on such missions. In the broad glare of noon, we have on a couple of 

 occasions, during the breeding period, encountered it foraging for 

 food wherewith to feed its young.'" Gentry. 



FOOD. 



These Owls subsist principally on mice especially meadow mice 

 rats and various insects. Sometimes they catch and devour small 

 birds, but never, I think, molest poultry, either old or young. 



forth in quest of prey. Birds of this suborder, unlike certain other species of the Raptores, never, 

 it is stated, unless reduced to the utmost extremity, feed on carrion, but subsist on such food as 

 they are able to kill. Their dietary, although variable with locality and circumstances, consists 

 mainlv of small quadrupeds 'principally field mice), insects, chiefly beetles and grasshoppers, 

 and some few of the smaller kinds of birds. " Many species are capable of living without water 

 for months at a time, though some of them drink it readily and often bathe freely." Benjamin 

 M. Everhart, the well-known Pennsylvania botanist, had in captivity, for a period of about two 

 years, a Great Horned Owl, and during this time he says it never would drink water. The Owls, 

 like manj' other birds of prey, eject from the mouth in small ball-like masses, the indigestible 

 portions of their food, such as hair, bones, etc. These little balls or pellets, as they are usually 

 called, are frequently to be found in great quantities about localities where these birds resort 

 during the daytime. The eggs are white, nearly round and commonly number from three to 

 five ; deposited generally in hollow trees or the deserted nests of Hawks and Crows. Their cries 

 areloiidand dismal. 



