long-eared owl. 
OTUS VULGARIS. 
Tins species is by no moans uncommon in most parts of Great Britain. I never yet observed a Long-eared 
Owl on the barren moors or treeless deer-forests of Sutherland and Caithness, or on the Outer Islands , but 
with these exceptions I have found it generally distributed over almost every county I have visited. It appears 
most numerous in those localities where fir-plantations of moderate size arc to be met with. I particular y 
remarked in several districts in the Highlands, where the hill-sides for miles arc covered by dense forests of 
Scotch fir or larch, that not a single specimen was cither seen or heard. 
The Long-cared Owl is strictly nocturnal in its habits, seldom venturing far from its haunts till twilight 
has set in. During the day it rests in some thick fir in the densest part of the wood it frequents. I noticed 
that, when these birds have young to provide for, they commence to move about from tree to tree some time 
before the sun has disappeared. An excited mob of Blackbirds and Thrushes occasionally collects, and, with 
angry screams, persistently follows the hated intruder every time it shifts its position. 
Small birds and mice arc the usual prey of this species. When living in East Lothian, I used to observe 
these Owls during the summer coming regularly at dusk to the stack -yard for rats or mice, though the woods 
where they nested were at a distance of nearly two miles. I have repeatedly seen them perched on the stacks 
or farm-implements, intently watching for the slightest rustle among the straw, when they would instantly 
glide to the spot. Unfledged nestlings are also taken. I noticed a Long-cared Owl making several visits one 
evening to a boat-shed on one of the broads in Norfolk ; and on examining the place the next morning I 
discovered that a brood of young Swallows had disappeared during the night. I do not think that the most 
ardent game-preserver could make the slightest complaint against this species. 
The young birds have a peculiarly sad and plaintive whistle (something resembling a deep-drawn sigh) 
when calling for their food. When there arc several broods in the same plantation, the effect of their wailing 
cries is any thing but lively when listened to on a still night in the gloomy depths of the pine-woods, their 
mournful notes breaking out first on one side, then on another, and finally being answered from all quarters 
at once. 
The Long-eared Owl is by no means fastidious when choosing a cradle in which to rear its family. A 
mass of dead leaves and twigs that have lodged in a cleft among the branches, the old dray of a squirrel, or 
the deserted nest of a Crow appears equally suited to its requirements. I have never met with an instance 
where there was evidence that the bird had been its own architect; indeed, I believe this Owl will not make 
even the slightest additions or repairs to the collection of rubbish or the antiquated structure it selects. 
The Plate shows the adult male and a young one shortly after leaving the nest. 
The plates in some of the older works represent Owls as sitting with three toes in front of their perch and 
one behind; all however, believe, place two toes in front and two behind. This error is very excuse as 
of course the habits of the tod m this respect could only he ascertained by studying its actions in confinement. 
