ECONOMIC RELATIONS OF OUR BIRDS. 
581 
and other remains of the Pine Linnet (yEgiothus linariusj. Mr. Richardson 
states that it feeds principally ujwn hares and other small quadrupeds (Brewer). 
Audubon mentions a caged bird which fed readily upon fish and small birds. 
159. Strix nebulosa, Forst. BARRED OWL. Group III. Class b. 
This Owl is a resident throughout the year and perhaps is our most abundant 
species. It is a woodland species, and, though nocturnal, is often abroad by day. 
Food: Two out of three specimens examined had their stomachs empty; the 
thml had in its stomach the crania of two mice. 
Fowls, Partridges, young rabbits and mice (Wilson). Rats, mice and the 
smaller birds (De Kay). Small birds, field-mice, reptiles, and frogs (Samuels). 
160. Nyctea scandiaca (Linn.), Newt. GREAT WHITE OR SNOWY 
OWL. Group II. Class c. 
This large, imposing species is a winter resident and sometimes quite com¬ 
mon. It is said to hunt by day as well as by night, and Mr. Samuels has seen 
one pursue and capture from a flock a Snow Bunting ('P. nivalisJ. Audubon 
speaks of its habit of catching fish. 
Food: It is said to feed upon hares, mice, grouse, ducks, fish and carrion 
(Wilson). Rabbits, White Grouse, mice and other small animals (Cooper). Fish 
and small quadrupeds (De Kay). Fish thrown up by the tide, wounded sea 
fowl and other birds, and dead animals (Samuels). Fish, hares, squirrels, rats, 
and muskrats, which it sometimes takes from the traps of hunters, and Anas 
boscas (Audubon). 
161. SURNIA FURNEREA (LiNN.), RICH. & Sw. AMERICAN HAWK OAVL. 
Group III. Class b. 
This is the most diurnal of all our Owls, and, like other birds, retires to roost 
at night, but it hunts to some extent during the twilight. It is known to capt¬ 
ure birds, both large and small, and Mr. Samuels states that a specimen was 
obtained in Vermont on a woodpile, where it was eating a AVoodpecker which it 
had just captured. 
Food: It feeds chiefly upon field-mice (^AryfcoZay/; also upon small birds and 
grasshoppers (Coues). Partridges and other birds (AVilson). Mice and small 
birds (De Kay). Woodj^eckers and other small birds, and mice (Samuels). In 
summer, principally mice and insects; in winter, Ptarmagan, upon flocks of 
which it is a constant attendant (Richardson). Principally mice (Mr. Dali). 
162. Nyctala Tengmalmi Richardsoni (Bp.), Ridg. RICHARDSON’S OWL. 
Group III. Class b. 
This species is reported by Dr. Hoy to have been taken in Wisconsin. It is, 
however, described as the most decidedly boreal of any of the American Owls, 
and Mr. Nelson does not include it in his “ Birds of Nortlicastcrn Illinois.” Sir 
John Richardson speaks of its very great abundance in the Saskatchewan 
country. Mr. Ross saj's that it is a fierce bird and creates great havoc among 
the Linnets and other small birds. 
Food: Its food is principally insects, although mice and the smallest birds are 
also captured (Coues). Linnets and other small birds (B. R. Ross). 
