li 1 NDR OD WiC Wa ONS
X1llV 7
native of Norway, Sweden, Russia, Germany, the Italian States, Greece, and Siberia, but not India (where
its place is occupied by the Bubo bengalensis), nor America (in which it is represented by the Budo ee
and it is to be regretted that its visits are not more frequent; for

anus). It sometimes comes to England ;

so fine a bird must be an ornament to any country.

The learned are at variance as to whether this species or a little unpretending 4thene was one of Minerva’s

favourite birds ; both have always inbabited the country around Athens. I must leave it to those who take

an interest in classic lore to settle this point to their own satisfaction.

Genus Orus.
The members of this section of the Owls inhabit both the Old and the New World, but are not very
numerous in species. Their fiery eyes and long cat-like ears render them conspicuous objects, whether seen

amidst their native woods or as mounted specimens in a museum.
37. Orus vuLGARIS . : ; : : : : : : : : Vol. I. Pl. XXXI.

Lonc-EARED OwL.
A constant resident, frequently deposits its eggs in the deserted nests of Crows and other birds, and is
partial to pine trees. As its brilliantly coloured eyes indicate, it often flies in the daytime. Feeds upon

mice, small birds, and such other food as is commonly eaten by Owls.

cc TY . 7 Tear r > >
The Long-eared Owl,” says Mr. Stevenson, “ is another instance of the changes which have taken place
in a few years from local causes in the habits of some of our feathered visitants. Whilst drainage and the
jlough are fast driving the Harriers « YY ‘eeders fr i id 1
ploug g ers and other fen-breeders from their accustomed haunts, the rapid increase
in our 3 r : BS te , E ~ : =
our fir plantations, especially near the coast, affords such inducements to this species to remain and breed
with us that the autumn visitant of ry i
of a few years , know stay 1
é years since, only known to stay through the summer occasionally,

may now be more properly termed a ; 1 IVI i
\ nu . ¥ a , a : S .
properly a numerous resident, receiving additions to its numbers in autumn.”

Genus Bracuyorus.

Of this . 7 aCuenenle
3 but few species are known. They mostly fly near the ground, but will often mount high in
the air. The acti their wings ¢ ; i
“ i a their wings appears to be of a heavy flapping character, due probably to the rounded
38. Bracuyorus paLustris : : Vol. I. Pl. XXXII
. ; : : ; : : fol. I. Pl. XXXII.
SHoRT-EARED Owt.
This is

both a resid :
sident and a ‘ratory spec} :
migratory species; for, although it breeds in many parts of the British