8o 
alt-f.n’s naturalist’s library. 
Burkitt, as shot in Co. Waterford on the 27th of January, 
1851, after lieing ascribed to B. vir^inia 7 tns, proved on examina 
tion to be the South African Bubo macu/osus, and was doubt 
less of the same origin as the Gold-vented Bulbul, Pycnonoius 
capensis (see Vol. I., p. 318). 
Range ontsiae tire Britisli Islands. — Generally distributed through • 
out Europe and Northern Africa, being replaced in Central 
Asia by Bubo lurcoutanus, a p.ile form which extends west- 
wards into South-eastern Russia, and which has occurred in 
the Elim.alayas. 'I'lie typic.Tl form is said to re-occur in 
Eastern Siberia and Corea, and to extend to China, and a 
specimen from the Goto Islands, about fifty miles to the west 
of Nagasaki, is in the Norwich Museum. So far as is known 
the Eagle-Owl has never occurred in the Japanese Islands, the 
bird so identified having proved to be Bubo blakistoni, which 
also inhabits Corea and North-eastern Siberia. 
Habits. — The Eagle-Owl is one of the largest and one of the 
most ferocious of all the nocturnal Birds of Prey, and even in 
confinement has licen known to attack its owner without any 
provocation. It creates great havoc among the larger game, 
and devours not only Grouse, but Rabbits and Hares, as well 
as Pheasants and Partridges. Mr. Seebohm states that in the 
northern forests it also feeds upon Crows and Jays, as well as 
devouring mice and rats. 
The Eagle-Owl breeds e.arly, laying its eggs in March or in 
the beginning of April, and generally selects the old nest of 
some other bird. It sometimes chooses the hole of a tree, but 
not unfreqiiently nests on the ground or usually on the ledge 
of a rock. 
Although this fine Owl generally hunts by night, it is not much 
disturbed by the daylight, and is able to take excellent care of 
itself, while the nest is often in an exposed situation, in the full 
glare of the light. Several observers who have tried to shoot the 
parent birds at the nest, admit that this is nearly impossible to 
do, as the birds appear to notice the intruder, however care- 
fully concealed. 
Nest. — None to speak of, and sometimes consisting merely 
of a slight hollow in the ground. The young are often found 
