264 
STRICT FO R MES 
In the east evergreen or alder thickets on the edges of marshes or ash 
swamps are the preferred habitat of the species. During migration it is 
sometimes found in companies, resting by day in the dark recesses of wet 
woods. 
Economic Status. Of 92 stomachs examined, I contained a game- 
bird (quail); 15, other birds; 84, mice; 5, other mammals; and 1, insects. 
From this record it is evident that the species is not seriously destructive. 
Its mousing proclivities are sufficient to give it a claim to protection and 
its small size and nocturnal habits prevent its interference with young 
poultry (at least those that are properly cared for at night). 
367. Short-eared Owl. marsh owl. lk hibou a oreilles courtes. Asio Jlam- 
meus. L, 15-50. A medium-sized owl. Much smaller than the Barred or Great Horned. 
but larger than the Screech or the Burrowing Owls. Similar 
in size and build to the Long-eared. In general, an ochraceous 
or buffy bird striped with brown; stripes sharply defined and 
narrower below; softly diffused and broader above. Small, 
inconspicuous ear tufts rise from centre of forehead (Figure 
383). 
Distinctions. Likely to be confused only with the Long- 
eared Owl. The general light buff colour, and brown stripes 
without any pure white, are distinctive of this species. The ear 
tufts may be so poorly developed as to be almost absent. The 
body colour varies in individuals, and may be as light as rich 
cream, or deep enough to have a slight suggestion of rusty. 
Distinctly a striped bird. 
Field Marks. Size, general buffy colour, and habitat. 
Nesting. On the ground, in dry marshes. 
Distribution. Nearly cosmopolitan. In Canada, in all suitable localities north to 
the Arctic Ocean. 
This bird is a true marsh owl and is slightly more diurnal in its habits 
than many of its relatives. It is often seen in the dusk of the evening 
beating over the marshes in strong and hawk-like flight. As it lives in the 
marshes or along their brushy edges, a great number fall annually to the 
guns of thoughtless sportsmen after other game. 
Economic Status. Of 97 stomachs examined, 11 contained small 
birds; 77, mice; 7, other mammals; and 7, insects. From this record 
and from the fact that the marsh edges, waste patches, and fence-rows 
which this species haunts are the reserves from which small rodent pests 
spread over cleanly cultivated land, it is evident that this is a most useful 
species and that killing it is removing one of the most efficient checks 
upon innumerable pests. 
371. Little Boreal Owl. arctic saw- whet owl. la petite chouette bor£ale. 
Cryptoglaux funerea. L, 10. A small, hornless, brown and white owl. Rich blackish 
brown above, with semi-concealed, round, white spots; white below, 
vaguely striped. The colour pattern is soft and the design vague and 
diffused. 
Distinctions. Slightly smaller than the Screech Owl, and hornless. 
Larger than the Saw-whet, which is the only species with which it is 
likely to be confused. Differs from that species in being a rich, warm, 
blackish brown, instead of rather reddish, greyish brown. The light 
facial disk is in sharp contrast with the surrounding dark ring, instead 
of blending softly into it. An owl of this type, with a wing over 5-5 
inches, will be this species. 
Field Marks. A small, round-headed owl, larger and richer brown 
in colour than the Saw-whet. 
Figure 384 
Richardson’s Owl; 
scale, L 
Nesting. In holes in trees. 
