The bird-catchers of Tessin employ the Sparrow Owl for enticing birds into their nests. If taken when very young it is easily tamed, and shows itself sensible of attention. M. Bailly possessed one which exhibited much satisfaction when rubbed on the breast, back, or head. It would remain perfectly immovable, sometimes on its chest, and sometimes on its back, showing in every way the pleasure it felt.
In Northern Italy this bird is reared in captivity; it feeds on mice, and even eats fruit and polenta. M. Gérard relates that he reared a Sparrow Owl, which became so tame that it willingly allowed itself to be caressed at any moment of the day. It destroyed a great many insects, and ate everything that was given it, but showed such a very decided taste for raw meat that it sometimes, without letting go its hold, hung suspended to a morsel of intestine for more than ten minutes. It was on the best of terms with the cat of the house; and they were often found lying close together in the same basket. The dog was never able to gain the bird's affections; and a Raven, which lived in the house by the same right as the Owl, was cordially hated by it. It showed much irritation at the sight of other birds, even if they were only stuffed ones; and when able to obtain possession of them, carried them into a corner and plucked off their feathers at leisure. It also delighted in rolling in the dust.
A more diminutive species still, the Small Sparrow Owl, inhabits the northern part of the two continents, and sometimes ventures as far south as Germany. Its plumage, which is ash-coloured above, below the chest is dazzling white, marked with black spots. It has a white stripe round the front of its neck.
The Pampas Sparrow Owl is found in South America, and is no bigger than a Thrush. This bird, though so small, has strongly-developed bloodthirsty instincts; for it slips under the wings of poultry, and kills them by tearing open their sides.
Buffon classes with this species a variety which inhabits the Cape of Good Hope, and is endowed with magnificent plumage, red and black partly mixed with grey. The colonists tame it, and use it to keep their houses clear of mice.
The Burrowing Owl derives its name from the place in which it makes its nest. This bird is about the size of a Pigeon, and frequents the immense plains, or pampas, of South America, and the prairies of North America. The burrows, however, it does not dig itself, but simply takes possession of those belonging to other animals, after having driven them away by its disgusting odour. This mode of conquering a territory, although of a peaceful character, is, to say the least of it, singular.
Burrowing Owls do not confine themselves to going out in the evening and morning. They love the light of day, and willingly seek their food even when the sun is vertical. It is a curious fact that this bird lives in association with beings with which it has no natural tie, such as the prairie dog, a sort of marmot peculiar to the New World. Captain Francis Head, an English traveller, who one day came across a flock of these creatures thus living together, depicts their attitude as follows:—
"Towards the evening the prairie dogs keep outside their burrows, with a serious look on their faces, like grave and reflective philosophers or moralists. During the day the entrance to the subterranean burrow is guarded by two Owls, which never quit their post. While the travellers were galloping over the plain the Owls continued their duty as sentries, looking them full in the face, and one after the other shaking their venerable heads in a way which was most ludicrous on account of its solemnity. When the horsemen came near them the two sentinels lost much of their dignified look, and darted hurriedly into the burrows."
This Owl feeds on rats, reptiles, and insects. It is gentle, and may be easily tamed, and is sometimes kept for the purpose of destroying vermin.
The birds which are comprised in the genus of Barn or Screech Owls have a complete facial disk, and short tarsi feathered down to the claws. They are as large, and even larger than the Short-eared Owl.