DGLR OD U CrTON xlv

Islands, particularly in Scotland, great numbers arrive in autumn, at the same time that the Woodcock
appears ; and hence it is known in some of our counties by the name of the Woodcock-Owl. Full particulars

will be found in the pages of letterpress opposite the plate.

Inbabits the moorlands and not the woods, lives upon small quadrupeds and the young of the Grouse and
other birds frequenting similar districts. In Norway it feeds upon lemming; it doubtless eats lizards also ;
and insects probably form part of its diet. Mr. Robert Gray states that in the west of Scotland he has seen
this bird “ hawking for prey in dull weather at midday over turnip-fields, looking probably for field-mice,
which in the autumn months become rather numerous in some places. This Owl, indeed, may be looked

upon as a useful friend to the farmer in the localities it frequents.”

Genus Scoprs.

Several members of this genus inhabit the northern portions of the Old World; and others are found in
the New. They are generally very prettily ornamented ; and their bright yellow eyes, conspicuous ear-tufts,
and the harmoniously blended grey and brown moth-like markings of their plumage render them objects of

especial interest.

39. Scops zorca : : : : : : : . ; : : g Wole Te RIE XexXexeiitie

Scors Ow.

As is the case with many other species of birds, it is difficult to define what is the proper home of this
beautiful little Owl; but we may with certainty state that it is common in France and all the southern states
of Europe. Although it may occasionally breed in England (and Mr. Harting has enumerated twenty

instances of its occurrence), it can only be regarded as one of our chance visitors.

Mr. Robert Gray remarks :—“‘ It is a somewhat curious feature in the history of the Scops Eared Owl that
it lives wholly upon insects. It is therefore, in temperate countries, strictly migratory in its habits; and in

France, where it is not uncommon, it is said to come and go with the Swallow.”

40. Scors Astro.
Mottled Owl.

A native of North America and Canada, which it is necessary to notice because it is said to have been twice

killed in this country; but, as Mr. Harting remarks, ‘its occurrence in England must be considered

doubtful.”