220 
able to take care of itself and there are large sections of wilderness where 
the species can hold sway without molestation. 
376. Snowy Owl. Nyctea nyctea. L, 25. As large as the Great Homed Owl, but 
without horns, and pure white, usually with many, but sometimes only a few, broad, dark 
bars on all parts of body except face. Occasional birds are almost immaculate. 
Distinctions. A large, hornless Owl, pure white, or white sharply barred with dark. 
Only possible of confusion with very white Homed Owls, but the round head, the body 
pattern broad and bold instead of fine and vermiculated, is distinctive. 
Field Marks. A large, very white Owl, with round head. 
Nesting. On the ground of the tundra. 
Distribution. Northern parts of northern hemisphere. In America, across the 
northern Barren-grounds, southward in winter. 
This is a winter visitor in the settled parts of Canada. It frequents 
frozen marshes and lake shores and is essentially a bird of the open. Usually 
the birds that come from the north are heavily marked juveniles, but 
occasionally flights occur in which the very white and almost unspotted 
adults are in the majority. Probably the juveniles are naturally greater 
wanderers than the adults, which migrate far from their home grounds 
only when driven out by a scarcity of food. 
Economic Status. The food of the Snowy Owl consists largely of 
feathered game. Of 26 stomachs examined, 2 contained game birds; 9, 
other birds; and 20, mice, rats, and rabbits. Were it not that this Owl 
comes down into civilization after most of our birds have left it might do 
serious damage. 
Though a big and powerful bird, feeding largely on Ptarmigan and 
rabbits in its native north country, comparatively few complaints are 
substantiated against it when it comes south during migration. It does 
not often visit the farmyard, and normally its depredations on Grouse 
do not seem serious. 
377. Hawk Owl (Including American Hawk Owl). Surnia idula. L, 15. Plate 
XXXI A. A medium-sized Owl of hawk-like appearance and habits. Facial disk not 
as perfect as in most Owls, and tail long. 
Distinctions. The less flattened and less typically owl-like face, long tail, and sharp 
and regular barring below, are distinctive. 
Field Marks. Diurnal habits, general coloration, and long tail are good field marks. 
In flight, except for its larger, more owl-like head, it has a strong resemblance to a Goshawk. 
Any Owl, seen perched in a commanding position in full daylight, is probably this species, 
though both the Long and the Short-eared Owls occasionally hunt by day . 
Nesting. In evergreen trees or in holes in tree trunks. 
Distribution. Northern parts of northern hemisphere. In Canada, in the northern 
wooded forests, across the continent and among the mountains at the higher elevations. 
Migrating in winter through most of southern Canada. More common near the mountains 
and in the foot-hills than out on the open prairie. 
SUBSPECIES. The Hawk Owl of America is separated from that of the Old 
World as the American Hawk Owl, Surnia ulula caparoch. 
378. Burrowing Owl (Including Northern Burrowing Owl), billy owl. Speo~ 
tyto cunicidaria. L ; 9-50. Plate XXXI B. A small, round-headed, stumpy-bodied, 
long-legged Owl, of light brown, or sandy, and white, coloration, of rather indefinite pattern. 
Distinctions. Small size, round head, bare toes, and legs only scantily feathered in 
front, and pale, sandy coloration make this species unmistakable. 
Field Marks. A small, sandy-coloured ground Owl, inhabiting open prairie country; 
short stumpy body and long legs are easily recognizable in life. 
Nesting. In holes made in the ground of the open prairie by gophers, badgers, or 
other animals. 
