OWLS. 
149 
of its long black claws, no part is exposed. And again, were 
it not for its colour, wliich renders it almost invisible, as it 
silently skims over the snowy plains, the hares and other 
animals on which it preys would see its approach, and be pre- 
pared for escape. 
Of course the habits of a bird so seldom coming under 
human observation can be but little known ; but the few par- 
ticulars we have been able to collect completely justify the 
above remarks. Thus, that its snowy plumage is essential to 
its means of existence, may be gathered from circumstances 
relating to a couple that were shot in the severe winter of 
1823, in Northumberland. They had, for some days before 
they were killed, been observed in the wild and rocky parts 
of an open moor, either perched upon the snow, or on some 
large solitary stone projecting .from it, from whence, without 
attracting notice by any contrasting colour, they could look 
out for their prey, and be prepared to seize it, as it in- 
cautiously approached. As the smaller species hunt for 
mice, so does this search for hares and rabbits, on which it 
pounces, and in a similar manner swallows them, when pos- 
sible, whole ; a fact ascertained in the case of one shot at and 
wounded in the island of Balta, which, on being approached, 
disgorged an entire young rabbit ; another, when taken, had a 
Sandpiper, with the whole plumage, in its stomach. As they 
were often found dead by Captain Sir Edward Parry, who 
spent so many months in their most frequented neighbour- 
hood, it is concluded that they frequently perish from want of 
food ; indeed, their eagerness to partake of the hunter’s fare, 
and carry off the spoil in his presence, is a proof that they must 
often be severely pressed by hunger. Sportsmen in the norths 
assure us, that they keep watch on some high tree or lofty 
rock, and the moment the gun is fired and the game killed, 
they descend, and skimming rapidly down, secure the prey 
before the shooter is able to get near it. 
Ptarmagans are a favourite food of these birds, and are well 
aware of their danger. Their mode of escape is, on perceiv- 
ing the Owl about to pounce upon them, to dive instantly into 
* Hearne’s Travels. 
