AMERICAN OSPREY; FISH HAWK
364. Pandion haliætus carolinensis. 23 in.
Real old birds have the head whiter, and less white edging to the back feathers, than do the young. Feet very strong, and very hard and rough, perfectly adapted to grasping slippery fish; outer toe can be used equally as well, either in front or behind, when perching or grasping their prey. Their food is entirely of fish, which they catch themselves, by plunging after it, hovering in the air a few seconds while watching the fish, preparatory to diving upon it. They are always found about water and are very numerous on the seacoasts, where twenty or more may frequently be seen at a time. They are protected by law in some states, and by public sentiment in most others.
Notes.—A loud, tremulous, piercing whistle.
Nest.—Usually in trees; large and bulky, of sticks; sometimes on the ground, telegraph poles, chimneys, etc. Eggs creamy buff, blotched with rich brown (2.40 × 1.80).
Range.—Breeds from the Gulf to Labrador and Alaska; winters in the southern half of the U. S.
FAMILY ALUCONIDÆ
BARN OWL
365. Aluco pratincola. 18 in.
Plumage very soft, finely barred and specked; general coloration gray, yellowish-brown and white. No ear tufts; eyes small and brown; face very long; legs very long. These peculiar owls are abundant in the south, where they are commonly known as “Monkey-faced Owls,” because of their odd visage. They are very useful birds, and are usually recognized as such. Their food consists almost wholly of small squirrels, rodents, reptiles and insects. It does most of its hunting just after dusk and early in the morning. Its flight is rather slow and entirely noiseless, as is that of all the members of the family.
Nest.—In hollow trees, under the roofs of barns or in caves; the four to six eggs are pure white (l.70 × 1.30).
Range.—United States, breeding north to New York, Ontario, and Washington. Winters in the southern half of the United States.
HORNED OWLS—Family Bubonidæ
AMERICAN LONG-EARED OWL
366. Asio wilsonianus. 15 in.
This species can readily be distinguished from the next, which is the only one of the same size, by its long ear tufts; it is also darker, and the markings on the breast are largely in the form of bars. In the northern portions of the United States, this species is probably the most abundant of owls, excepting the little [Screech Owl]. It is often quite common, where its presence is little suspected, because, unless disturbed, it flies only at night and is a rather silent species. During the daytime it is usually sitting upright in the dense tops of evergreen trees. Crows often discover them, and proclaim their hiding place to the whole neighborhood by their incessant cawing. Owls of all kinds are in disfavor with crows.
Notes.—A soft-toned “wo-hunk, wo-hunk.” (Bendire.)
Nest.—They lay from four to seven pure white eggs, usually in old crow nests.
Range.—Resident from the Gulf to Nova Scotia and Manitoba.
