The Long-eared Owl. 



481 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen. — The female is 

 generally the larger bird, and is darker in the ground colour 

 of the plumage, and more profusely marked on the breast and 

 abdomen than the male ; the marks, too, are broader and more 

 conspicuous. Owls, however, like all birds of prey, vary 

 considerably, both in the colour and markings of their 

 plumage, at different times of the year. 



Song. — Like the other members of the Owl family, this variety 

 is gifted with a disagreeable, loud, and inharmonious screech. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Contour, carriage, 

 colour, and markings. The horns, or ears, as they are variously 

 termed, are a distinguishing feature in this variety ; six or 

 seven is the usual number of feathers that compose them, but 

 exceptional specimens exceed this number. The ears should 

 be carried erect, be firmly braced, and taper to a fine point. 

 The exhibit must be full of fine, close-fitting feathers ; the 

 wings, tail, feet, and claws, must all be well formed, and free 

 from damage. Prime condition and cleanliness are essential 

 to" success. 



General Remarks. — The Long-eared Owl, when kept with 

 other varieties in a large aviary, usually usurps authority over 

 his associates ; so long as he does not abuse the privilege 

 he is permitted to do so, but if he commences to tyrannise 

 over them, he generally finds a powerful antagonist in the 

 Tawny Owl, who at once resents undue interference with its 

 liberties. It is only during the pairing and breeding season 

 that these signs of disagreement are usually shown. In winter 

 Owls are peacefully disposed towards each other as a rule, 

 and, if well fed, and every attention paid to their require- 

 ments, appear quite resigned to their changed mode of 

 living. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — This variety is quite as 

 hardy as any of its congeners, and with careful attention, 

 fresh air, and exercise, may be preserved in vigorous health 

 for years. 



If it should be kept within the confined limits of a box, 

 or cage, and not properly cared for, the feet will get clogged 

 with dirt, and harden, and in time produce soreness, in 

 which case the bird must be caught, and its feet immersed in 

 warm water, to free them from the dirt ; afterwards they 

 must be anointed with goose grease or olive oil. It will be 



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