73 



LONG-EAREP OWL. 



STRIX OTUS, 



I 



[Plate LI.— Fig. 3.] 



TuRT. Syst, p. 167 — Bewick, I, p. 84.— Pealb's Museum, JVo. 43*. 



THIS Owl is common to both continents, and is much more 

 numerous in Pennsylvania than the White, or Barn Owl : six or 

 seven were found in a single tree, about fifteen miles from this 

 city. There is little doubt but this species is found inhabiting 

 America to a high latitude ; tho we have no certain accounts of 

 the fact. Except in size, this species has more resemblance to the 

 Great Horned Owl than any other of its tribe. It resembles it also 

 in breeding among the branches of tall trees ; lays four eggs of 

 nearly a round form, and pure white. ^ The young are greyish 

 white until nearly full grown, and roost during the day close to- 

 gether on a limb, among the thickest of the foliage. This Owl is 

 frequently seen abroad during the day, but is not remarkable for 

 its voice or habits. 



The Long-eared Owl is fourteen inches and a half long, and 

 three feet two inches in extent ; ears large, composed of six fea- 

 thers gradually lengthening from the front one backwards, black, 

 edged with rusty yellow; irides vivid yellow; inside of the circle 

 of the face white, outside or cheeks rusty; at the internal angle of 

 the eye a streak of black; bill blackish horn color; forehead and 

 crown deep brown, speckled with minute points of white and pale 

 rusty; outside circle of the face black, finely marked with small 

 curving spots of white ; back and wings dark brown, sprinkled and 



* Buffon remarks, that it rarely eonstruets a nest of its own 5 but not unfrequently occupies that 

 of others, particularly the Magjjic. 



VOL. VI. T 



