SHORT-EARED OWL
367. Asio flammeus. 15.5 in.
Ear tufts very short; general color buffy, not nearly as brown nor as dark as the last species usually is. They are not nearly as nocturnal as most of the owls, and most of their hunting is done about dusk, when they may be seen flying close to the ground over marshes or low land. Their flight is perfectly silent, which aids them in securing their prey of field mice, which they usually get without stopping in their flight, just swooping down, extending their long legs, armed with wicked little claws, and it is all over with the little rodent, he being carried to a nearby stump, and devoured, fur, bones and all.
Notes.—A very short, shrill cry, evidently their call note, and a low clucking uttered as they swoop over your head; besides the usual snapping of the bill.
Nest.—On the ground, usually in marshes; the four to seven eggs are pure white, (1.55 × 1.25).
Range.—Breeds locally from the Gulf to the Arctic regions; winters throughout the United States.
