INTRODUCTION. 
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Islands, particularly in Scotland, great numbers arrive in autumn, at the same time that the Woodcock 
appears ; and hence it is known in some of our counties hy the name of the Woodcock-Owl. Full particulars 
will be found in the pages of letterpress opposite the plate. 
Inhabits the moorlands and not the woods, lives upon small quadrupeds and the young of the Grouse and 
other birds frequenting similar districts. In Norway it feeds upon lemming ; it doubtless eats lizards also ; 
and insects probably form part of its diet. Mr. Robert Gray states that in the west of Scotland he has seen 
this bird “ hawking for prey in dull weather at midday over turnip-fields, looking probably for field-mice, 
which in the autumn months become rather numerous in some places. This Owl, indeed, may be looked 
upon as a useful friend to the farmer in the localities it frequents.” 
Genus Scops. 
Several members of this genus iidiabit the northern portions of the Old World ; and others are found in 
the New. They are generally very prettily ornamented ; and their bright yellow eyes, conspicuous ear-tufts, 
and the harmoniously blended grey and brown moth-like markings of their plumage render them objects of 
especial interest. 
,39. Scops zorca ............ Vol. I. PI. XXXIII. 
Scops Owl. 
As is the case with many other species of birds, it is difficult to define what is the proper home of this 
beautiful little Owl ; but we may with certainty state tkat it is common in France and all the southern states 
of Europe. Although it may occasionally breed in England (and Mr. Harting has enumerated twenty 
instances of its occurrence), it can only be regarded as one of our chance visitors. 
Mr. Robert Gray remarks ; — “ It is a somewhat curious feature in the history of the Scops Eared Owl that 
it lives wholly upon insects. It is therefore, in temperate countries, strictly migratory in its habits ; and in 
France, where it is not uncommon, it is said to come and go with the Swallow.” 
40. Scops asio. 
Mottled Owl. 
A native of North America and Canada, which it is necessary to notice because it is said to have been twice 
killed in this country ; but, as Mr. Harting remarks, “ its occurrence in England must be considered 
doubtful.” 
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