THE EAGLE-OWL. 

 Bubo tgnavtis, T. Forster. 

 Plate 28. 



The Eagle-Ovvl, one of the strongest and most rapacious of the birds of prey, 

 has occurred at various times in Great Britain, and although specimens obtained 

 or seen in the Orkneys, Shetlands, the mainland of Scotland, and eastern parts of 

 England were no doubt genuine visitants from Scandinavia, birds recorded else- 

 where may have escaped from captivity, as it is often kept as a caged bird. 



This species inhabits the wooded mountainous regions of Europe, from Scan- 

 dinavia and northern Russia to the Mediterranean shores, and other forms have 

 been recognised in Asia and North Africa. 



It breeds early in the year, and lays its eggs, usually two or three in number, 

 rounded in shape, and white in colour, in the deserted dwelling of some other 

 bird in a tree. Often ledges of rock in sunny quarters on steep mountain-sides 

 are chosen, or situations on the ground at the roots of trees, but in these places 

 the bird does not construct a nest of its own, although often a kind of bed, on 

 which the owlets repose, is formed by the accumulation of castings and fur. 



The Eagle-Owl usually rests during the day in some dark and shady retreat, 

 sallying forth in the evening in search of food. Owing to its size and strength 

 it can without difficulty master birds as large as the Capercaillie, and hares, 

 rabbits, and other game, besides young fawns, form a large part of its food. 



Its deep sonorous note, often heard in the breeding season, resembles its 

 German name " Uhiir 



43 



