The Short-eared Owl. 



485 



Food and Treatment. — The same food should be given, and 

 treatment followed, as recommended for the White Owl (vide 

 Chapter LXXXVIL, p. 469). 



Eeaeing the Young. — Follow the treatment recommended 

 for its congener, the Long-eared Owl. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen.- — The hen is a 

 little larger, darker in plumage, more profuse in the breast 

 markings, less conspicuous in the egrets, and more effemi- 

 nate in general appearance, attitude, and bearing, than the 

 male. 



Song. — The Short-eared Owl is no exception to the Owl 

 family generally ; its voice is loud and shrill, and at times 

 quite startling to a wayside traveller. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Shape, contour, 

 colour, and markings ; a well-developed disk ; eyes keen and 

 penetrating, and surrounded by a deep, black ring, with 

 radiating pencillings extending across the cheeks. The wings, 

 tail, feet, and claws, require to be in good order, and the 

 specimen perfectly clean, in prime condition, docile, and 

 tractable. 



General Eemarks. — The Short-eared Owl, more commonly 

 named the Short-horned Owl, is quieter in an aviary than 

 the Long-eared variety, but appears less disposed to fraternise 

 with other members of the Owl family. It is quite capable 

 of taking its own part in a conflict when the necessity arises. 

 It is alert and skilful, and cannot be surpassed by any of 

 its congeners in dexterity and in securing its full share of 

 live .mice, with which an aviary of these birds may from 

 time to time be regaled. It shows less disposition to pair, 

 when kept in confinement, than any of the other varieties 

 previously described. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The remarks made under 

 this head in treating of the other varieties of Owls are equally 

 applicable to the Short-eared Owl. 



