258 
WHITE OR BARN OWL. 
both in keeping close and in clamour. The same 
scene takes place when the Owl happens to be 
discovered by these birds reposing in some thicket, 
and they generally have an assistant in the small 
blue titmouse, which is even bolder in making 
attack. The bird all the while sits motionless with 
a. drowsy glimmer of the eyes, and I am not sure 
that he is ever fairly turned out of his retreat. 
The same motive seems here to attract these little 
birds, as occurs when a cat or fox is discovered 
strolling through the thicket ; the prowler may 
be at once discovered to any one acquainted with 
the peculiar cries uttered by the clamorous host of 
tiny pursuers. 
In confinement, the "White Owl is easily tamed, 
and becomes familiar, sitting in some comer, or 
hole made on purpose, during the day; but if 
disturbed, occasionally rising and eating its food. 
Towards evening it becomes active, and will then 
come playfully to the person accustomed to be 
near, putting on the attitudes of a raptorial bird, 
and coming forward with freedom, and without 
alarm. 
The plumage of an adult bird of this species is 
beautifully clean and pure. An old male pro- 
cured many years since reposing in an old chimney 
in company with its mate, is the purest in tint we 
have seen. The whole face, ruff, sides of the neck, 
lower parts and thighs, are of the most silky and 
unsullied white, a slight tinge of reddish brown 
