HYBRID GROUS. 263 

 course they must breed with us. An ingenious friend informed us he 

 found an owl's nest in a tree covered with ivy, which had three white 

 eggs ; and that, from the appearance of the bird as it flew out, he had 

 no doubt it was this species. It must be observed, the other owls of 

 this country are never known to build amongst the branches of trees, 

 from which we may conclude the nest above mentioned was of this 

 species. 



This bird frequents large woods, and wooded tracts ; is partial to fir, 

 box, or holly plantations, where it more readily conceals itself by day 

 amongst the evergreen foliage, as well in winter as in summer. 



The one before was killed in the winter as it was flying out of a 

 large holly-bush in Cornwall ; and we have seen others in several parts 

 of the kingdom. 



Its principal food is mice, and sometimes small birds taken at roost : 

 Selby found in the stomach of one of these the skulls of five mice, 

 which were, without doubt, he adds, the relics of its repast the previous 

 night. When attacked, or taken by surprize, it will throw itself on its 

 back, and make a vigorous defence with its claws, hissing and snap- 

 ping with its bill. In this situation, the ears are fully elevated, and 

 thrown forward. It is never seen to fly in the day, except disturbed. 



The note is unknown : most of the genus make a screeching noise, 

 but the tawny owl is the only one with us that is known to hoot, and 

 is so commonly heard in the evening. It is said to be far from un- 

 common in France and many other parts of Europe, as far as the north- 

 ern parts of Russia. It is also found in some parts of America, and 

 is common at Hudson's Bay. 



HORRA. — A name for the Brent Goose. 



HORSE-FINCH.— A name for the Chaffinch (Fringilla spiza, 

 Rennie.) 



HOUSE MARTIN.— A name for the Window Swallow. 

 HOUSE SPARROW.— A name for the common Sparrow. 

 HOUSE SWALLOW.— A name for the Window Swallow. 

 HOVER HAWK.— A name for the Kestril. 

 HOWLET.— A name for the Screech Owl. 

 HOWSTER.— A name for the Knott. 

 HUCKMUCK.— A name for the Hay-bird. 

 HYBRID GROUS.— A supposed Hybrid Bird. 



