242 



HAWK-OWL. 



of its head, which has occasioned it to be called in some places by the 

 name of Hawk Owl. 



To Mr. Pennant the British Fauna is indebted for the first discovery 

 of this bird ; but that excellent naturalist has described it to have only 

 one feather on each side the head which is erectable, which mistake has 

 been followed by all other ornithologists. It must, however, be re- 

 marked, that these tufts, or ears, are never erected but when the bird 

 is in a quiescent state. A few years since one of this species was taken 

 alive in a lark-net, making a pounce at the decoy bird ; and we bought 

 it of the bird-catcher, in order to observe its manners. In a few 

 months it became tolerably tame, and when hungry would take food 

 from the hand. It was mostly fed with small birds and mice, but 

 would eat any raw meat, which it first took in its bill, and immediately 

 placed in its talons, and devoured it by piecemeal. When it was asleep 

 or undisturbed, the aurated feathers were very distinguishable, standing 

 above the rest about half an inch ; but on being disturbed they were 

 instantly depressed, and the head apparently enlarged, by the feathers 

 round the face being somewhat raised. Upon minute examination 

 these tufts were found to consist of a series of feathers, very little, if 

 any thing, longer than the rest. While we were in possession of this 

 we received a dead specimen, in which one feather was visibly longer 

 than the rest in the tuft : this might have led to the mistake before 

 mentioned. 



The Hawk Owl comes to us in October, about the time the wood- 

 cock makes its appearance, and departs at the same time with that bird 

 in March ; hence the name of woodcock owl. 



With us this bird is observed never to perch on a tree, but generally 

 hides itself in long grass, fern, or the like, and seems partial to 

 open, barren situations. When disturbed it flies a little way, and 

 lights again on the ground. In dusky weather it will prey by day, and 

 sometimes fly at small birds as well as mice. It is a bold bird, but 

 seems contented in confinement. That above mentioned never drank 

 for the six months it was in our possession. How long it lived after 

 it was given away, we never heard. It may, however, be presumed, 

 contrary to the general opinion, that Owls, as well as all predacious 

 birds, bear confinement, whether taken young or old, which we have 

 experienced as well in the tawny and white owls as in this. It is sup- 

 posed to breed in the Orkneys, and probably in Norway ; visits Hud- 

 son's Bay in May ; makes a nest of dry grass on the ground, and lays 

 three or four white eggs. We have great reason to believe this bird 



