A tame little Owl which sometimes may be caught in one's hand. It passes the day in dense growth, usually evergreens. Its note resembles the "sound made when a large-tooth saw is being filed."
SCREECH OWL
Otus asio asio. [Case 1], Figs. 13, 14
The two sexes are alike, the two color phases being individual and representing dichromatism. Among animals, gray and black squirrels furnish a similar case. The ear-like feather-tufts give the bird a cat-like appearance, hence the name 'Cat Owl.' The young are downy-looking creatures evenly barred with dusky. L. 9½.
Range. Screech Owls are found throughout the greater part of the Western Hemisphere. Our eastern form occurs in the eastern United States from Canada southward. The Florida race (O. a. floridanus, [Case 3], Fig. 19) is smaller and of a darker gray than the northern bird. The 'red' phase is rare.
Washington, common P.R. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, common P.R. N. Ohio, common P.R. Glen Ellyn, common P.R. SE. Minn., common P.R.
This, the smallest of our 'horned' Owls, is also the commonest. It lives near and sometimes in our homes even when they are situated in towns. Its tremulous, wailing whistle (in no sense a 'screech') is therefore one of our most characteristic twilight bird-notes. Mice and insects form the greater part of the Screech Owl's fare. Four to six white eggs are laid in a hollow tree, bird-box, or similar site in April.
GREAT HORNED OWL
Bubo virginianus virginianus. [Case 1], Fig. 16
Largest of the 'horned' Owls. L. 22.
Range. Western Hemisphere in many forms; our form is confined to the eastern United States. A Permanent Resident.
Washington, rare P.R. Ossining, tolerably common P.R. Cambridge, uncommon, autumn or winter. N. Ohio, rare P.R. SE. Minn., common P.R.