218 
sounding “ who-who ” and snapping bill. This is usually little more than a 
demonstration, however, and, just before striking, it wheels up into the 
darkness again to gather momentum for a return. Such attacks, although 
sometimes disconcerting, are far from dangerous, and more a source of 
amusement and admiration than alarm. 
Economic Status. The official finding on the food of the Screech Owl 
is warrant for its protection. . Of 212 stomachs examined, 1 contained 
poultry; 38, other birds; 91, mice; 11, other mammals; 2, lizards; 4, frogs 
and toads; 1, fish; 100, insects; 5, spiders; 9, crawfish; 7, miscellaneous; 
22, scorpions; and 2, earthworms. The poultry item must be regarded as 
an accidental occurrence, as the bird represented, a Pigeon, would be 
exceedingly large prey for this Owl. 
The loss of the small birds it takes under natural conditions may be 
regarded with equanimity. Unless individuals depopulate our bird 
houses and garden preserves, little can be said against the species. 
374. Flammulated Screech Owl (Including Dwarf Screech Owl). Otus 
flammeolus. L, 6 • 50. Like a small, grey Screech Owl, but with dark, instead of yellow, 
eyes. 
Distinctions. Like a very small, light grey Screech Owl, but with dark eyes, and toes 
naked to their base. 
Field Marks. Too rare to be recorded on eyesight observation, but very small size, 
ear tufts, and dark eyes will serve to distinguish this species. 
Nesting. Similar to the Screech Owl. 
Distribution. Too few specimens of this species have been recorded to base a detailed 
distribution upon them. It has occurred irregularly from British Columbia to Guatemala, 
and east to Colorado. 
SUBSPECIES. Two subspecies are recognized, the Dwarf Screech Owl Otus flam- 
meolus idahoensis being the northern race, and the one accredited to the Dominion. 
We know hardly anything of its habits, but presume they are similar to 
those of the Screech Owl. One found dead on the lake shore at Penticton, 
British Columbia, is the only Canadian record. 
375. Great Horned Owl (Including Arctic, Western, Pacific, and North- 
western Horned Owls), cat owl. Bubo virginianus. L, 22. Plate XXX B. A 
large Owl, over 15 inches, with prominent horns. It may vary from a dark bird with much 
black only touched with white here and there, and slight ochre tints showing through from 
the undercoat, to largely or nearly entirely white, with much, or little, fine, sharp black 
vermiculation, and a buff to cream undercoat. 
Distinctions. The only Owl over 15 inches in length with prominent horns. The 
finely vermiculated pattern, and buffy under plumage, differentiate it from the broadly 
barred or spotted, and hornless, Snowy Owl, with which the whitest specimens of Great 
Horned might possibly be confused. 
Field Marks. Large size and prominent horns or ear tufts. 
Distribution. The greater part of North and South America. In Canada, across 
the continent, north to the tree Emit, 
SUBSPECIES. The Great Horned Owl is a very variable species and divides into 
a number of geographical races. Many attempts have been made to define them, but 
when tested by specimens of breeding birds, none of them is entirely satisfactory. The 
following races are recognized in Canada in the American Ornithologists’ Union Check- 
Ust. The typical Eastern Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus virginianus contains much 
warm ochre and neither black nor white is particularly prominent. This bird should occur 
in eastern Manitoba. The extreme of whiteness is shown by the Arctic Horned Owl Bubo 
virginianus subarcticus that in certain cases may be almost pure white, with Ettle ochre 
showing anywhere, and the black pattern very much reduced m prominence. It inhabits 
the North West Territories, the northern parts of the Prairie Provinces, and probably 
parts of the Yukon. The Western, or Pale, Homed Owl Bubo virginianus occiaentalis is 
about intermediate between the Eastern and the Arctic, and is a light coloured bird, char- 
