The Short-eared Owl ([Fig. 275]) is about a foot in height. The horns on this species' head are shorter than those of the Great Owl in proportion to the birds' size. Its wings are thirty-nine inches across; in its plumage russet predominates, shaded with grey and brown. It has a blackish bill and claws, and beautiful yellow eyes. It inhabits hollows in rocks or dead trees, and old ruined houses, and sometimes instals itself in nests left vacant by Magpies, Ravens, and Buzzards. It is much less wild than the Great Owl, and is frequently in the habit of prowling round dwelling-houses.
This Owl being very fond of mice, which form its principal food, all that is requisite to attract it to a snare is to imitate the cry of these little animals. It also feeds on moles, and, in cases of emergency, even on frogs, toads, leverets, young rabbits, and insects. This bird displays much courage in the defence of its young when it thinks them in danger, and does not then fear even to attack man. Its cry consists of a kind of low moaning clow, cloud, which it frequently utters during the night. It is easily tamed if taken young; but if old when caught, it persistently refuses food.
The Short-eared Owl is more sociable than most nocturnal birds of prey, and is often met with in flocks of seven or eight. Its habitat is the North of Europe, quitting it in the autumn to winter in warmer regions: it regularly visits France in October and November. It is sometimes found in thickets close to marshes and rivers, where it catches frogs, and even fish. In the North, especially in Iceland, it builds its nest in the ground, sometimes occupying burrows made by rabbits. We shall see further on that this singularity is shared by one of the American Owls.
Fig. 275.—Short-eared Owl (Strix brachyotus, Yarrell).
A species very similar to the last described is found in Senegal; but the head, tarsi, and lower part of the body are white; its height is ten inches.
Lastly, the Ketupu is a native of the islands of the Indian Archipelago. It often frequents the banks of rivers, and feeds principally upon crabs and fish. The name it bears is that which has been given to it by the natives.
The Scops-eared Owl (Scops), [Fig. 276], is remarkable for its diminutive size, which does not exceed that of a Thrush, and for its horns, which are perfectly rudimentary and formed of a single feather. Its plumage, which is beautifully shaded with russet, grey, and black, is much more pleasing than that of the preceding species.
Fig. 276.—The Scops-eared Owl (Strix buboninæ, Linn.).