140 
served to perch on trees, but generally hides 
itself in long grass or fern, and seems partial 
to open barren situations. When disturbed, 
it seldom flies far, but will alight and git look- 
ing at its pursuer, at which time the horns 
may be distinctly seen. In dusky weather it 
will prey by day-light, and sometimes fly at 
small birds as well as Mice. 
It is a very fierce and courageous bird, an 
instance having been known of one which 
was shot springing up with great fury at the 
sportsman when endeavouring to secure it. 
Sometimes these birds are found in great 
numbers, and it is recorded that twenty-eight 
have been seen in one turnip-field, in th» 
month of November, probably attracted by 
the number of Mice to be found there. An 
instance of this kind occurred in the neigh- 
bourhood of Bridgewater, where, as Mr. 
Anstice informed Mr. Montagu, Mice were 
in such abundance as to destroy a large por- 
tion of the vegetation ; and that in the autumn 
a great many of this species of Owls resorted 
thither in order to prey on them. 
This species, with very slight variation, is 
found in Hudson's Bay. It is also common 
in Siberia, Newfoundland, &c. 
