656 
A YEAR WITH THE BIRDS 
This bird is also sometimes called the Hoot Owl and the 
Rain Owl. It is distinguished from the other Owls by its large 
size, the yellow color of its bill, the dark eyes, and dark bars or 
marks across its breast. It is of a grayish color, and the cross 
bars on its breast are dark. While the preceding bird is a 
northern species, this one is southern. It is found in Pennsyl- 
vania throughout the year, and is common through the wooded 
regions of the state, especially where there is much large timber. 
It flies by early twilight and at night, and nests in the hollow 
trees or the old nests of larger birds, or sometimes building 
its own nest among the branches of trees. In this state it 
nests in March and April, or sometimes a little later. It lays 
two or three eggs, which are white and about two inches long 
and one and three-fourths inches in diameter. They remain 
concealed during the day time in the deep, darker portions of 
woods, although they occasionally hunt food during a clouded 
day as well as by twilight. 
Screech Owl: Megascops asio. R. 
Little Horned Ozvl 
Plate XI 
Length: 8-10 inches. 
Male and Female: Conspicuous ear tufts. Bill light horn-color. Two 
distinct phases of plumage belong to this species, having, as Dr. 
Fisher says, “ no relation to sex, age, or season.” In one state 
the Owl is mottled grayish and black, and the other rust-red. 
Feet covered with short feathers ; claws dark. 
Note: A hissing alarm note — “Shay-shay-shay!” and a moaning, 
quavering wail, which is not loud, but penetrating. 
Season: Common resident. 
Breeds: Through range; in April and early May. 
Nest: In hollow trees; sometimes in orchards, near dwellings, and on 
wood borders. 
Eggs: 4-6, almost spherical. 
A pretty and useful Owl, killing cutworms and the larger 
beetles, as well as mice, etc. 
“ This is the best known Owl in America, owing to its 
abundance and its habit of residing near the abode of man. 
It is found throughout the entire year in this state, and nests 
in all parts of the country. This little bird is known as the 
Screech Owl, the Mottled Owl, Gray Owl, and Red Owl. It 
represents what is called dichroism, as it has the two-color 
