TAWNY OWL 
189 
Crows, and marauding cats, for whose presence there 
is more justification. Unlike the last three species, 
it is not known in Ireland. It chiefly roosts and 
nests in hollow trees, but will also occupy holes in 
buildings like the Barn Owl, and the old nests of 
Magpies, Crows, and Wood Pigeons, like the Long- 
eared Owl. It also lays occasionally under a branch 
upon the ground, or in a rabbit-burrow. Like the 
latter species, it is an early breeder, and the eggs 
are often to be found in March. There is no nest, 
though the floor of the hole, as is the case with the 
other Owls, is often strewn with the cast-up pellets 
of feathers, bones, and the other indigestible 
portions of their meals. Three or four is the 
common number of the eggs, though six is not 
very rare ; as is the case with the Barn Owl, they 
are often laid in batches of two, with perhaps a 
fortnight between. They are large, very round in 
shape, and dull white in colour ; after they have 
been laid some time they often get a good deal 
stained by their surroundings. The young Owls 
are most odd-looking little creatures at all stages 
of their growth, and very touchy in temper. The 
food of these birds mainly consists of rats and 
various kinds of mice and voles, as well as small 
birds, beetles, and an occasional newt or lizard. A 
selection of these dainties may often be found lying 
in the nesting-hole. The upper plumage is a rich 
