without
ear tufts. Breeds commonly in the extensively wooded districts of
British America, chiefly in the northern parts. Their three or four
white eggs are usually at the bottom of a cavity in a tree, but
occasionally the birds build a rude nest of sticks and twigs, lined with
leaves and placed in trees at a moderate height from the ground. Size of
eggs, 1.25 x 1.05.

372. SAW-WHET OWL; ACADIAN OWL. _Cryptoglaux acadica acadica._

Range.--North America, breeding in the northern parts of the United
States and in British America, and south in the Rockies to Mexico;
winters south to the middle portions of the United States.

This small species (length 8 inches) is marked very similarly to the
preceding, but the plumage is brown instead of gray. They normally nest
in hollow trees, generally in deserted Woodpecker holes, in extensively
wooded sections, and usually in mountainous country, especially in the
United States. They have also been known to nest in bird boxes near farm
houses and in old Crow's nests. During April or May, they lay from three
to six white eggs. Size 1.20 x 1.00. They are quiet and chiefly
nocturnal birds, not often seen, and may be found nesting in any of the
northern states.

372a. NORTHWESTERN SAW-WHET OWL. _Cryptoglaux acadica scotiaea._

Range.--A dark variety found on the coast of British Columbia.

[Illustration 234: Richardson's Owl. Saw-whet Owl.]
[Illustration: White.]
[Illustration: deco.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]

Page 233

373. SCREECH OWL. _Otus asio asio._

Range.--North America, east of the plains and from the southern British
Provinces to Florida.

This well known species, which is often called "Little Horned Owl"
because of its ear tufts is found either in the type form of some of its
varieties in all parts of the United States. They have two color phases,
the plumage being either a yellowish brown or gray, and black and white;
these color phases are not dependent upon sex or locality, as often
young or both phases are found in the same nest; the gray phase is the
most abundant. They nest anywhere in hollow trees, being found very
frequently in decayed stubs of apple trees. They also often nest in
barns or other old buildings which are not frequented too freely. Their
food consists chiefly of mice and meadow moles, with occasionally small
birds. During April or May they lay their white eggs, the full
complement of which is from five to eight. Size 1.35 x 1.