260 
STRICT FORMES 
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. la chouette £perviJ;re. Surnia ulula. L, 15. Plate XXXII B. 
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. 
Nestmg. 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 foothills 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 (la Chouette epervi^re d’Amferique) Surnia ulula caparoch. 
379. Pygmy Owl. la chouette pygm£e. Glauddium gnoma. L, 7. Plate XXXIII 
A. A very diminutive owl. Scarcely longer than many sparrows, though of heavier build 
Coloured in wood browns and white. 
Distinctions. Extremely small size, considerably smaller even than the Saw-whet. 
Sharply striped underparts; general wood-brown above, and a large, soft, black spot bor- 
dered with white on either side of the hindneck. Unmistakable for any other species. 
Field Marks. Extremely small size for an owl. Wood-brown above, and white 
underparts sharply striped with dark. Much diurnal activity. 
Nesting. In holes in trees. 
Distribution. Western North America, mostly west of the Rockies. In Canada, 
practically confined to British Columbia; in the interior, north into Cariboo district, but 
west of the Coast Range, at least as far north as Wrangell, Alaska. 
SUBSPECIES. The Pygmy Owl is divided into a number of subspecies of which 
three have been postulated for Canada. The California Pygmy Owl (la Chouette pygm6e 
de Californie) Glauddium gnoma californicum is the interior bird, the Coast Pygmy 
Owl (la Chouette pygm6e coti&re) Glaudidum gnoma grinelli that of the coast, and the 
Vancouver Pygmy Owl (la Chouette pygmee de Vancouver) Glauddium gnoma swarthi, 
of Vancouver Island. Californicum has a slight greyish cast in the brown, whereas sivarthi 
is darker and more reddish, has the white markings reduced, and more dark on the legs, 
grinelli in colour is about intermediate between them. 
An extraordinary and interesting little owl. It is largely diurnal, and 
so small that one naturally expects it to have a gentle and unassertive 
disposition. This, however, may be far from being the case. If the reaction 
of the small woodland birds to its presence is any evidence, this little raptor, 
no larger than many of them, must be one of their worst enemies. Its 
friends would call it courageous and determined; its enemies, ferocious 
and bloodthirsty. Pause anywhere in its haunts, and whistle an imitation 
of its call— a half whistle, half spoken “Cook-cook” followed by hollow, 
woodeny, staccato whistles succeeding each other slowly at first, but with 
a gradually accelerated tempo, and every small bird within hearing will 
come to investigate. The nuthatches, hanging head downward, wave 
their heads like pendulums, and point their straight, upturned bills first 
to one side and then to the other, quanking as they do so. The chickadees 
“dee-dee,” their beady eyes twinkling with curiosity. Buzzing, squeaking, 
excited hummingbirds will hum angrily around. Sparrows, wrens, vireos. 
