RED OWL. igi 



other from various parts of the fields or orchard ; roost during 

 the day in thick evergreens, such as cedar, pine, or juniper 

 trees, and are rarely seen abroad in sunshine. In May, they 

 construct their nest in the hollow of a tree, often in the orchard 

 in an old apple tree ; the nest is composed of some hay and a 

 few feathers ; the eggs are four, pure white, and nearly round. 

 The young are at first covered with a whitish down. 



The bird represented on the plate I kept for several weeks 

 in the room beside me. It was caught in a barn, where it had 

 taken up its lodging, probably for the greater convenience of 

 mousing ; and being unhurt, I had an opportunity of remark- 

 ing its manners. At first, it struck itself so forcibly against 

 the window, as frequently to deprive it, seemingly, of all sen- 

 sation for several minutes : this was done so repeatedly, that I 

 began to fear that either the glass or the owl's skull must give 

 way. In a few days, however, it either began to comprehend 

 something of the matter, or to take disgust at the glass, for it 

 never repeated its attempts ; and soon became quite tame and 

 familiar. Those who have seen this bird only in the day can 

 form but an imperfect idea of its activity, and even spright- 

 liness, in its proper season of exercise. Throughout the day, it 

 was all stillness and gravity, — its eyelids half shut, its neck 

 contracted, and its head shrunk seemingly into its body ; but 

 scarcely was the sun set, and twilight began to approach, when 

 its eyes became full and sparkling, like two living globes of 

 fire ; it crouched on its perch, reconnoitered every object 

 around with looks of eager fierceness ; alighted and fed ; stood 

 on the meat with clenched talons, while it tore it in morsels 

 with its bill ; flew round the room with the silence of thought, 

 and perching, moaned out its melancholy notes with many 

 lively gesticulations, not at all accordant with the pitiful tone 

 of its ditty, which reminded one of the shivering moanings 

 of a half-frozen puppy. 



This species is found generally over the United States, and 

 is not migratory. 



The red owl is eight inches and a half long, and twenty- 



