THE LITTLE OWL
Athene noctua (Scopoli)
This bird has undoubtedly occurred on many occasions as a straggler in this country, but its claim as a British Bird now rests on introductions which have been made in Kent, Northampton, Bedford, Yorkshire, and other places where it has more or less established itself as a breeding species, and is slowly extending its range from at least one of these centres. It is a small species, living chiefly on insects and mice, and is generally found in well-wooded country, where it may be often seen sitting on a dead tree or post, sunning itself, for it is largely diurnal in its habits.
The plumage above is a warm brown spotted with white; under parts white striped with brown. The female is rather larger than the male. Length about 9 in.; wing 6 in.
In this species the feathers on the legs and toes are quite short, being little more than bristles on the latter, a point by which it may be easily distinguished from the preceding species.
THE SNOWY OWL
Nyctea scandiaca (Linnæus)
The Arctic regions both in summer and winter form the home of this large and handsome species, though many wander southwards during the winter months.
In the Shetlands and Orkneys it is a fairly regular winter visitor during severe weather, and it has frequently occurred in Scotland; to England and Ireland, however, its visits are few and far between.
The plumage is pure white, spotted and barred with dark brown, the amount of which varies greatly in individuals. Length of male 22 in.; wing 15·5 in. The female is slightly larger.
THE HAWK OWL
Surnia funerea (Linnæus)
The Hawk Owl inhabits the pine forests of Northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. It has occurred here as a straggler on several occasions, the majority of examples having been shot in the western counties of England and Scotland, and belonging curiously enough to the American race, which has the bars of the under parts more ruddy than the European form. This latter form has, however, also been obtained on at least one occasion.