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SUBSPECIES. Two subspecies of the Saw-whet Owl are recognized in Canada. The 
Acadian Owl Cryptoglaux acadica acadica inhabits most of the Dominion. The Island Saw- 
whet Cryptoglaux acadica brooksi is at present known only in Queen Charlotte islands. 
It is like the Acadian, but in adults the whites are replaced by rufous ochre. In the young 
the colours are all richer and darker than in the young of the Acadian. The difference 
between these two races is very striking and the absence of known intergrades suggests 
that Cryptoglaux acadica brooksi may be a distinct species. The North-west Saw-whet 
Cryptoglaux acadica scotaea, heretofore ascribed to the Pacific coast of Canada, has lately 
been dropped as being identical with the Acadian Owl. 
This diminutive Owl haunts the dark tangle of cedar and tamarack 
swamps and similar localities, passing the day close to the trunk of a tree 
where its plumage blends indistinguishably with the bark. It has such 
great reliance in its protective coloration that it will allow close approach 
and can at times be almost taken in the hand. It takes its vernacular 
name from its call-notes, which are said to resemble the sound made by 
filing or whetting a saw. 
Economic Status. Of 19 stomachs examined, 1 contained a Sparrow; 
17, mice; and 1, a moth. With this record the species deserves protection. 
373. Screech Owl (Including Rocky Mountain, MacFarlane’s, and Kenni- 
cott’s Screech Owls). Otus asio. L, 9-40. Plate XXX A. A small, eared Owl. The 
eastern race occurs in two well-marked colour phases, irrespective of age, sex, or season. 
One is rich brown and white, with much fine pattern, giving a grey effect, the other has 
the brown replaced by bright rufous, almost brick red. The western races, however, are 
single phased, resembling the grey plumage of the eastern race, but of a ruddier brown. 
Distinctions. With one very rare exception, the Flammulated Screech Owl, the only 
homed Owl with wing under 7 inches. Easily known from that species by having yellow, 
instead of black, eyes. 
Field Marks. Size, and the distinct horns, are the best field marks. Its call, a long 
quaver, is very distinctive. 
Nesting. In hollow trees. 
Distribution. Nearly all of temperate North America, but in western Canada detected 
as yet only in southern Manitoba, and southern British Columbia. 
SUBSPECIES. The Screech Owl is divided into a number of geographical races. 
Manitoba birds have been identified as the Eastern Screech Owl Otus aeio asio. They are 
in the grey phase, and whiter than any eastern bird with which they have been compared, 
and hence, approach the Rocky Mountain Screech Owl Otus asio maxweUiae of Montana 
and westward. In southern British Columbia, we have MacFarlane’s Screech Owl Otus 
asio mac/arlanei in the interior, and Kennicott’s Screech Owl Otus asio kennicotti west of 
the Coast range. These are both single phased, of the grey type, or if two phases can be 
recognized, the red colour is much subdued and not nearly as brilliant as in the Eastern 
race. The browns are always warmer and redder than the Eastern form, and, the coast 
birds especially, are of darker general colour. 
Although called “Screech” Owl, the notes of this bird certainly are 
not screeches. They may be heard at night coming from a distant copse, 
melodious and soothing, with a tinge of melancholy, and contain nothing 
harsh or grating. The commoner call is a long, soft, tremolo whistle. An 
imitation will bring the original author close up to see what rash stranger 
Screech Owl invades its chosen haunts, and it challenges with answering 
whistles and chuckles. When undisturbed by intruders, the notes include 
an infinite number of low croons and gurgling tones. Occasionally Screech 
Owls can be induced to nest or rest in boxes, and every day, as evening 
approaches, the alert round head and feather-ringed, yellow eyes framed 
in the opening and awaiting the coming dusk, is a pretty sight. Though 
generally inoffensive, Screech Owls sometimes show surprising courage 
in defence of their fledgling family. At night the parent bird will boldly 
attack, sweeping down at the head of the intruder with a startling, hollow- 
