native o f Norway, Sweden, Russia, Germany, the Italian States, Greece, and Siberia, hut not India (where
its place is occupied by the Bubo beugalensis). nor America (in which it is represented by the Bubo mrgini,
anus). It sometimes comes to England: and it is to be regretted that its visits are not more frequent; for
so fine a bird must be an ornament to any country.
The learned are at variance as to whether this species or a little unpretending Athene was one o f Minerva's
favourite birds ; both have always inhabited the country around Athens. I must leave it to those who take
an interest in classic lore to settle this point, to their own satisfaction.
Genus O t u s .
The members of this section of the Owls inhabit both the Old and the New World, but are not very
numerous in species. Their fie r, eyes and long cat-like ears render them conspicuous objects, whether seen
amidst their native woods or as mounted specimens in a museum.
Vol. I. PI. XXXI.
3 7 . O t u s v u lg a ris . . • • • • • * ’
L ong-ea r ed O w l .
A constant resident, frequently deposits its eggs in the deserted nests o f Crows and other birds, and is
partial to pine trees. As its brilliantly coloured eyes indicate, it often flies in the daytime. Feeds upon
mice, small birds, and such other food as is commonly eaten by Owls.
“ The Long-eared Owl,” says Mr. Stevenson, “ is another instance of the changes which have taken place
in a few years from local causes in the habits of some of our feathered visitants. Whilst drainage and the
plough are fast driving the Harriers and other fen-breeders from their accustomed haunts, the rapid increase
in our fir plantations, especially near the coast, affords such inducements to this species to remain and breed
with us that the autumn visitant o f a few years sinee, only known to stay through the summer occasionally,
may now be more properly termed a numerous resident, receiving additions to its numbers m autumn.’
Genus B rach yo tu s.
Of this form but few species are known. They mostly fly near the ground, but will often mount high in
the air. The action of their wings appears to be of a heavy flapping character, due probably to the rounded
form of those organs.
Vol I. PI. XXXII.
3 8 . B rachyotus p a l u s t r i s .............................................................................
S h o r t -ea r ed O w l .
This is both a resident and a migratory species; for, although it breeds in many parts o f the British
Islands, particularly in Scotland, great numbers arrive in autumn, at the same time that the Woodcock
appears; and hence it is known in some of our counties by the name o f the Woodcock-Owl. Full particulars
will be found in the pages of letterpress opposite the plate.
Inhabits the moorlands and not the woods, lives upon small quadrupeds and the young of the Grouse and
other birds frequenting similar districts. In Norway it feeds upon lemming; it doubtless eats lizards also ;
and insects probably form part of its diet. Mr. Robert Gray states that in the west of Scotland he has seen
this bird “ hawking for prey in dull weather at midday over turnip-fields, looking probably for field-mice,
which in the autumn mouths become rather numerous in some places. This Owl, indeed, may be looked
upon as a useful friend to the farmer in the localities it frequents.”
Genus S co p s.
Several members of this genus inhabit the northern portions of the Old World ; and „.hem are found in
the New. They are generally very prettily ornamented ; and their bright yellow eyes, conspicuous ear-tufts,
and the harmoniously blended grey and brown moth-like markings of their plumage render them objects of
especial interest.
......................................... Vol. I. PI. XXXIII.
3 9 . S cops z o r c a .....................................................................................................
S cops O w l .
As is the case with many other species of birds, it is difficult to define what is the proper home of this
beautiful little Owl; but we may with certainty state that it is common in France and all the southern states
o f Europe. Although it ma, occasionally breed in England (and Mr. Hurting has enumerated twenty
instances of its occurrence), it can only be regarded as one of our chance visitors.
Mr. Robert Grav r e m a r k s I t is a somewhat curious feature in the history of the Scops Eared Owl that
it lives wholly upon insects. I t is therefore, in temperate countries, strictly migrator, in its habits ; and in
France, where it is not uncommon, it is said to come and go with the Swallow.”
4 0 . S cops asio .
Mottled Owl.
A native of North America and Canada, which it is necessary to notice because it is said to have been twice
killed in this country; but, as Mr. Harting remarks, " it s occurrence in Englaud must be considered
doubtful.”