2 
LONG-EARED OWL. 
A young bird of this species that I took from the nest in Norfolk lived for a couple of years about 
the house, and, although allowed the use of his wings, never made the slightest attempt to escape. During 
the day he appeared to prefer the darkest corner of a room, and if carried into the open air seemed confused by 
the light, refusing to move if placed on the ground or on a tree. Once or twice after dark he started from the 
window on a voyage of discovery, but never remained absent more than a few minutes, appearing particularly 
pleased to return to his accustomed quarters. lie showed the greatest antipathy to dogs, puffing out his 
feathers and spreading his wings as soon as lie caught sight of one ; on a near approach he became greatly 
excited, bowing his head and intently following with his eyes every movement of the animal, and occasionally 
giving vent to loud screams. 
Although lie would, when hungry, feed readily on raw meat or birds, his especial fancy was for mice. Up 
to three-parts grown he bolted them whole, taking down the head first, the tip of the tail remaining in sight 
for some time from a corner of his mouth. If full-grown, he occasionally held them in his claws, and tore off 
the head and other portions before swallowing. 
I imagined that his death, which occurred when lie was rather more than two years old, might possibly 
have been caused by the greater portion of his diet having consisted of shot birds. 
