SNOWY OWL.
376. Nyctea nyctea. 25 inches.
Like the [Horned Owls] they are strong, fearless and rapacious birds, feeding upon hares, squirrels and smaller mammals, as well as Grouse, Ptarmigan and many of the smaller birds. They are locally abundant in the far north, preferring low marshy land to the more heavily timbered districts.
Nest.—Placed on the ground, on mossy hummocks on the dry portions of marshes, made of moss with a few feathers. Three to eight eggs, pure white, and the shell very smooth (2.25 × 1.75).
Range.—Arctic Regions of North America, and in winter casually as far south as California.