18 



MOTTLED OWL. 



The Owl now before us is chiefly a native of the northern re- 

 gions, arriving here, with several others, about the commencement 

 of cold weather ; frequenting the uplands and mountainous dis- 

 tricts, in preference to the lower parts of the country ; and feeding 

 on mice, small birds, beetles, and crickets. It is rather a scarce 

 species in Pennsylvania; flies usually in the early part of night 

 and morning ; and is sometimes observed sitting on the fences 

 during day, when it is easily caught; its vision at that time being 

 very imperfect. 



The bird represented in the plate was taken in this situation, 

 and presented to me by a friend. I kept it in the room beside me 

 for some time; during which its usual position was such as I have 

 given it. Its eyelids were either half shut, or slowly and alternate- 

 ly opening and shutting, as if suffering from the glare of day; but 

 no sooner was the sun set, than its whole appearance became lively 

 and animated; its full and globular eyes shone like those of a cat; 

 and it often lowered its head, in the manner of a cock when pre- 

 paring to fight, moving it from side to side, and also vertically, as 

 if reconnoitring you with great sharpness. In flying through the 

 room it shifted from place to place with the silence of a spirit (if 

 I may be allowed the expression), the plumage of its wings being 

 so extremely fine and soft as to occasion little or no friction with 

 the air : a wise provision of nature, bestowed on the whole genus, 

 to enable them, without giving alarm, to seize their prey in the 

 night. For an hour or two in the evening, and about break of day, 

 it flew about with great activity. When angry, it snapped its bill 

 repeatedly with violence, and so loud as to be heard in the adjoin- 

 ing room, swelling out its eyes to their full dimensions, and low- 

 ering its head as before described. It swallowed its food hastily, 

 in large mouthfuls ; and never was observed to drink. Of the eggs 

 and nest of this species I am unable to speak. 



The mottled owl is ten inches long and twenty-two in extent; 

 the upper part of the head, the back, ears and lesser wing-coverts, 



