186 
HORNED OWLS, ETC. 
of great damage. Now, 
the serious inroads it 
makes on the tenants 
of the poultry yard, as 
well as the destruction 
of many game and song 
birds, would seem to 
call for the total sup¬ 
pression of the species. 
Again, when engaged 
chiefly in the capture of 
injurious rodents, which 
threaten the very exist¬ 
ence of the crops, it is 
the farmer’s most valu¬ 
able ally, and conse¬ 
quently should be most 
carefully protected.” 
The horned owl is one 
of the earliest breeders 
of the birds of prey. 
Fig. 249. Western Horned Owl. tlie Southern part of 
its range, eggs are laid 
in December and January, and in Alaska they have been found in 
April when it was so cold that they froze on being taken from the 
nest. 
375b. B. V. arcticus (Swains.). Arctic Horned Owl. 
Similar to the western horned owl, but ground color white and dark 
markings usually much restricted ; under parts pure white, or only slightly 
barred. 
Distribution. — Arctic America, south in winter to Nebraska, and from 
Dakota to Idaho. 
Nest. — In trees, often a deserted hawk’s or crow’s nest. Eggs : 2 or 3, 
white. 
Food. — Largely waterfowl, ptarmigan, and arctic hares. 
375c. B. V. saturatus Ridgw. Dusky Horned Owl. 
Like B. v. pallescens , but plumage extremely dark, face generally sooty 
brownish mixed with grayish white ; plumage usually without excess of 
yellowish brown, sometimes with none. 
Distribution. — West coast region from Monterey County, California, to 
Alaska, and eastward to northern Rocky Mountains. 
Nest. — As described by Kennicott, in the top of a spruce, made of dry 
branches, lined with feathers. Eggs: probably 2 to 4, white. 
375d. B. V. paciflcus Cassin. Pacific Horned Owl. 
Small, strongly mottled, upper parts grayish, with more or less huffy 
admixture ; dark markings of under parts distinct; tarsus strongly mottled. 
Wing: 13. 
