INTRODUCTION. 
xliii 
bouring- country of New Zealand should be destitute of small mammals and of White Owls ! But this is not 
the place to enter into a disquisition on the subject ; let us proceed to an enumeration of the Owls of our 
own country. 
Genus Strix. 
34. Strix flammea Vol. I. PI. XXVllI. 
Barn-Owl. 
A strictly nocturnal species, living principally upon mice, insects, and reptiles. Distributed over the three 
kingdoms and Europe generally. The slight damage attributed to this bird is far over-balanced by the good 
it effects in the destruction of obnoxious animals. 
Genus Syrnium. 
35. Syrnium aluco ............ Vol. 1. PI. XXIX. 
Tawny or Brown Owl. 
Distributed over England and Scotland, but extremely rare in Ireland, if, indeed, it ever occurs there. 
Lives on mice, rats, moles, and other small quadrupeds ; the edges of ponds, too, are frequently examined 
for any fish that may expose themselves, which it readily seizes. The less its general character is examined 
the better for its reputation ; for, truth to tell, it is a stealthy thief, and commits great depredation among 
young game, robs the keeper’s pens, and does not disdain a chicken ; in fact, in its prowling habits it is not 
surpassed by any other species. It is a bird but seldom seen, either by day or night; and were it not for its 
merry hoot, uttered in the stillness of the evening, its presence and whereabouts would not be easily 
detected. It doubtless destroys rats, weasels, and young rabbits in abundance ; and this is about all the 
good it can be said to effect. Besides our islands, the other parts of Europe are constantly frequented by 
this bird ; but for any further particulars respecting it and its habits I must refer the reader to my account 
of the species accompanying the plate. 
Genus Bubo. 
The birds of this genus are but few in number; and of these only one favours Britain with its presence ; 
but that one is the finest of the whole. 
36. Bubo maximus Vop j p] XXX, 
Eagle Owl. 
This truly magnificent Owl, which is not surpassed in size or beauty by any member of its family, is u 
