These large birds are the most fierce and destructive of the family. They are powerfully built, and their size and strength allow them to attack and secure some of the larger animals, such as skunks, woodchucks, rabbits, grouse and poultry. They seem to be especially fond of skunks, and more than half of them that are killed will have unmistakable evidence of their recent and close association with this animal.
Nest.—Is usually in some large deserted nest, or in hollow cavities of large trees. Three or four white eggs, almost round (2.20 × 1.85).
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.
HAWK OWL.
377a. Surnia ulula caparoch. 15 inches.