SPECIES 5. STRIX P.dSSERIN^. 
LITTLE OWL. 
[Plate XXXIV.— Fig. 1.] 
Jlrct, Zool. 236, Xo. 126. — Turton, ir2. — Fem.-e’s Museum, 
JV'o. 522.'* 
This is one of the least of its whole genus, hut like many 
other little folks, makes up in neatness of general form and ap- 
pearance, for deficiency of size, and is perhaps the most shape- 
ly of all our Owls. Nor are the colours and markings of its plu- 
mage inferior in simplicity and effect to most others. It also 
possesses an eye fully equal in spirit and brilliancy to the best 
of them. 
This species is a general and constant inhabitant of the mid- 
dle and northern states; but is found most numerous in the 
neighbourhood of the seashore, and among woods and swamps 
of pine trees. It rarely rambles much during day; but if dis- 
turbed, flies a short way, and again takes shelter from the 
light; at the approach of twilight it is all life and activity; being 
a noted and dexterous mouse-catcher. It is found as far north 
as Nova Scotia, and even Hudson’s Bay; is frequent in Russia; 
builds its nest generally in pines, half way up the tree, and lays 
two eggs, which, like those of the rest of its genus, are white. 
The melancholy and gloomy umbrage of those solitary ever- 
greens forms its favourite haunts; where it sits. dosing and slum- 
bering all day, lulled by the roar of the neighbouring ocean. 
* We add the following' synonymes: Strix passerina, Linx. Syst. ed. 10, vol. 
I, p. 93. — Gmei. Syst. i, p. 296, No. 12 . — Strix acadiensis. Lath. Ind. Orn. 
p. 65. — S. acadica, Gmei. Syst. i, p. 296, No. 43. — Temm. Man. d’Orn. r, p. 
92. 
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