OWLS 
Owls vary considerably in size. The smallest is the tiny elf owl, a bird 
no larger than a sparrow. The elf owl lives in the giant cactus of Arizona 
in holes that the woodpeckers have dug. This little bird feigns death when 
caught. The great horned owl is one of the largest and fiercest of the 
group, often attaining a length of over two feet. The American screech 
owl resembles a small horned owl. The barn owl is well known for its loud 
cries and its strange heart-shaped face. The short-eared owls of Europe and 
America, unlike most owls are often seen flying in broad daylight over 
open marshes and meadows. Even more exposed to view is the hawk owl 
of the north who prefers to perch out in the open on a tall stump during 
the day. 
The long-eared owl, a denizen of dense pine and spruce forests, has 
the unusual habit of rising suddenly when approached and turning its head 
back while in flight to see what startled it. The snowy owl, of northern 
circumpolar distribution, diverges from the usual grays and browns of its 
relatives. Adapted to icy regions, it is largely pure white. This bird is known 
to travel great distances over the open ocean, alighting on ships hundreds 
of miles out at sea. The American Indians called Richardson’s owl, “the 
blind one,” as it is easily caught by hand in the daytime. Most owls live 
in trees, but the burrowing owl makes its home in a hole dug deep in the 
ground. The saw-whet owl is so-called because it utters a note like the 
sound of a saw being filed. The barred owl of eastern North America is 
frequently driven from its home by jays, cardinals, titmice and even tiny 
sparrows. Tawny owls are confined to the woodlands of Europe, Asia Minor, 
Palestine and Barbary. The eagle owls of Europe and Asia exceed the Ameri¬ 
can great horned owl in size and strength. One specimen lived sixty-eight 
years in captivity and was fully grown when captured. 
Owls: Great Horned Owl. 
Screech Owl. 
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