In autumn, large immigrations reach this country from abroad, and during the winter it becomes quite common in suitable places throughout England and Ireland. He is frequently flushed from the turnip-fields in October, and is for this reason known in some places as the “Woodcock Owl.”
In plumage it resembles the preceding species, but the markings are bolder and the delicate grey vermiculations are entirely absent. The ear tufts are much shorter. Length 14·5 in.; wing 12 in.
TAWNY OWL
Syrnium aluco (Linnæus)
The Tawny Owl is a common inhabitant of the well-wooded parts of England, Wales, and Scotland, though in the north of the last-named country it becomes decidedly scarce and local. In Ireland it has not yet been obtained. It nests early in March, the eggs being usually placed in a hollow tree, though it often makes use of deserted nests of Rooks, Crows, or Hawks, and sometimes nests on the ground at the base of a tree. The eggs are white and glossy and much rounder in shape than those of the Barn Owl. It is extremely nocturnal, never appearing till quite dark, and seldom pursuing its prey in the open, but keeping to glades and rides in the woods. Its hoot is a loud “hoo hoo,” and is repeated with great frequency. This species is never met with on migration, but is one of the most resident of birds, rarely wandering far from its birthplace.
The sexes are alike, except that the female is slightly larger. The general colour is usually of a warm tawny brown, mottled and streaked with darker shades of the same colour; the under parts are pale buffish white, striped with dark brown. There are two phases of this species which are alike in markings, but in one the predominating tint is red and in the other grey. Length 15 in.; wing 10 in.
TENGMALM’S OWL
Nyctala tengmalmi (J. F. Gmelin)
This species is an inhabitant of the pine forests of Northern Europe, migrating southwards in winter. A few stragglers have occurred in these islands from time to time. The general colour above is umber brown, spotted and marked with white; the facial disk is white with a dark outer ring; under parts whitish, barred and streaked with brown. Length 9 in.; wing 6·5 in.
TAWNY OWL
Syrnium aluco
The plumage of this species is exceptionally thick and downy; the feathers on the legs and toes especially so.