160 
surprising— they destroy leverets and the 
young of most kinds of game. They have 
been known to enter pigeon-houses and to 
commit dreadful ravages among that tribe of 
birds. They likewise destroy vast num- 
bers of Moles, and skin them with great 
dexterity. 
On examining a nest of these Owls (says 
Bingley) " that had in it two young ones, 
several pieces of young Rabbits, Leverets, and 
other small animals were found. The hen 
and one of the young ones were taken away ; 
the other was left to entice the cock, which 
was absent when the nest was discovered. 
On the following morning there were found in 
the nest no fewer than three young Rabbits, 
that had been brought to this young one by 
the cock during the night." 
This bird is easily distinguished from the 
other species of Owls by its hootings. At the 
time the bird makes this singular noise, its 
throat (says Pennant,) is inflated to the size 
of a Hen's egg ; it likewise frequently utters 
a harsh screaming note. 
Speaking of this species, Montagu observes 
that he is glad to find that Dr. Latham ha* 
