OWLS. 
147 
harmless, we may say a more useful race of birds does not 
exist ; since, with the exception of one or two of the larger 
and rarer species, their food consists entirely of vermin and 
insects very prejudicial to our crops, and which, but for these 
nocturnal hunters, might do serious mischief. A striking 
instance of their utility occurred some years ago in the neigh- 
bourhood of Bridgewater, in Somersetshire, where, during the 
summer, such incredible numbers of mice overran the country 
as to destroy a large portion of vegetation ; and their ravages 
might have extended to an alarming degree, had it not been 
for a sudden assemblage of Owls, which resorted from all parts 
to prey upon them. Short-eared Owls (Strix brachyotos ), to 
the number of twenty- eight, have been counted in a single 
field, collected together, no doubt, by swarms of mice, which 
in a favourable season had been bred there. This particular 
Owl only frequents England between the months of October 
and April, migrating in the spring to the northern islands of 
Scotland, where they breed. Its usual and favourite food is, 
as we have observed, field-mice ; but they are bold, powerful 
birds, and, when their young are to be provided for, will chase 
Pigeons, and even larger birds, in the open day, particularly 
if the weather is gloomy. In a nest containing only two un- 
fledged young ones, the remains of a Grouse and two Plovers 
were found, besides the feet of several others. 
During their visits to this country, they are usually to be 
met with on wild heaths and commons, concealed in rushy 
places or long grass : a pair, and sometimes more, possibly 
the brood of the preceding spring, are usually found fre- 
quenting the same haunts. When first disturbed, they seldom 
fly far, but either hover over the dog, if there be one, or alight, 
and raising their two odd feathery horns (from whence they 
are called Eared Owls), they fix their large round eyes intently 
on the object of their alarm. As a specimen of these Eared 
Owls we insert a figure representing the head of the largest 
of the family, the Long-eared Owl. 
Their note is a singular snapping noise, not issuing from 
the throat, but occasioned entirely by a smart clicking of the 
bill ; so rapid, indeed, is this motion, that it is with difficulty 
L 2 
