58 
BIRDS OF PREY. 
ing, it is obliged to approach habitations and barns, in which 
the mice it chiefly preys on now assemble ; it also lies in wait 
for small birds, and feeds on beetles, crickets, and other in- 
sects. The nest is usually in the hollow of an old orchard tree, 
about the months of May or June ; it is lined carelessly with 
a little hay, leaves, and feathers, and the eggs are commonly 
four to six, white, and nearly round. Aldrovandus remarks 
that the Great Horned Owl provides so plentifully for its 
young that a person might obtain some dainties from the 
nest, and yet leave a sufficiency for the Owlets besides. The 
same remark may also apply to this species, as in the hollow 
stump of an apple-tree, which contained a brood of these 
young Owls, were found several Bluebirds, Blackbirds, and 
Song Sparrows, intended as a supply of food. 
During the day these birds retire into hollow trees and un- 
frequented barns, or hide in the thickest evergreens. At times 
they are seen abroad by day, and in cloudy weather they wake 
up from their diurnal slumbers a considerable time before 
dark. In the day they are always drowsy, or, as if dozing, 
closing, or scarcely half opening their heavy eyes, presenting 
the very picture of sloth and nightly dissipation. When per- 
ceived by the smaller birds, they are at once recognized as 
their insidious enemies ; and the rareness of their appearance, 
before the usual roosting-time of other birds, augments the 
suspicion they entertain of these feline hunters. From com- 
plaints and cries of alarm, the Thrush sometimes threatens 
blows; and though evening has perhaps set in, the smaller 
birds and cackling Robins re-echo their shrill chirpings and 
complaints throughout an extensive wood, until the nocturnal 
monster has to seek safety in a distant flight. Their notes are 
most frequent in the latter end of summer and autumn, crying 
in a sort of wailing quiver, not very unlike the whining of a 
puppy dog, ho, hi ho hi ho ho hi, proceeding from high and 
clear to a low guttural shake or trill. These notes, at little in- 
tervals, are answered by some companion, and appear to be 
chiefly a call of recognition from young of the same brood, or 
pairs who wish to discover each other after having been sepa- 
