The Virginian Eared Owl inhabits North America. This bird is nearly the size of the Great Owl of Europe. It is distinguished from the latter by a different arrangement of the feathered projections on its head, which, instead of starting from the ears, take their rise close above the bill. This bird feeds on young poultry, which it boldly carries off from the very midst of poultry yards; to the Turkey it is especially destructive. When other food fails, it feeds on dead fish. If caught when young it is easily tamed, but as it gets mature its blood-thirsty instincts become so powerful that it proves a most expensive pet.
THE LONG-EARED OWL.
The Long-eared Owl is more sociable than most nocturnal Birds of Prey, and is often met with in the north of France and England. It is also found in Asia, Africa and America. It is not large, for it seldom exceeds fifteen inches in length; nevertheless, it is possessed of great courage, and attacks successfully Birds and Mammals of considerable size. Its appetite appears insatiable. The general color varies from pale to dark brown, marked with dark pencilings. Any nest, even that of the Squirrel, suits its fancy, in which it lays four or five white eggs. Although so blood-thirsty, it is easily tamed.
The Short-eared Owl is about a foot in height. The horns of this species are much shorter than those of the Long-eared Owl. Its length is about fifteen inches; its plumage is russet, shaded with grey and brown. It has a black bill and claws, and beautiful yellow eyes. It inhabits hollows in rocks or dead trees, and old ruined houses, and sometimes installs itself in nests left vacant by Magpies, Ravens and Buzzards.
This Owl being very fond of Mice, which form its principal food, all that is necessary to attract it to a snare is to imitate the cry of those Rodents. It also feeds on Moles, and, in cases of emergency, even on Frogs, Toads, Leverets and young Rabbits. Its nest has been found in a Rabbit hole. This Bird displays much courage in the defence of its young when it thinks them in danger, and does not even fear to attack Man. Its cry is a kind of low moaning, which it frequently utters during the night.
The Scops-eared Owl is remarkable for its small size, which does not exceed that of the Thrush; and for its horns, which are perfectly formed of a single feather. These Owls are more sociable than the others, and they are of great service to the farmers in destroying field Mice. Bats and large insects are also favorite food for these Birds, and when these are scarce, they will eat Fish, and may then be seen hovering over ponds and rivers, seizing the Fish when they come to the surface of the water.
HORNLESS OWLS.
The Hornless Owls are much like the others with the exception of their smooth round heads, without any projecting feathers to form curious ears and horns. There are many species in this group, the principal ones being the Snow Owls, the Barn or Screech Owls, the Hawk or Canada Owls, Brown or Tawny Owls, Ural Owls, Burrowing Owls, and Sparrow Owls.
The Barn or Screech Owls are among the best known of the family, as they are found in nearly all parts of the globe. The White Owl, or Snow Owl, sometimes called the Harfang, may also be found in all parts of North America, Europe and Asia. Its plumage is a brilliant white, with some black spots on the head. This color is well suited to the nature of the places in which it lives, for it sometimes inhabits the most desolate solitudes of North America, Newfoundland, Hudson’s Bay, Greenland and Iceland; and its color harmonizes so well with its surroundings that it can traverse almost unseen, the immense deserts of snow in search of its prey.