. Reptiles and birds. A popular account of the various orders; with a description of the habits and economy of the most interesting. . Fig. 255.—The Virginian Eared Owl. tamed if taken young; but if old when caught, it persistently refusesfood. The Scops-eared Owl {Ephialtes scops, Fig. 256) is remarkable forits diminutive size, which does not exceed that of a Thrush, and forits horns, which are perfectly rudimentary and formed of a singlefeather. Its plumage, which is beautifully shaded with russet, grey,and black, is more pleasing than that of the preceding species. 552 REPTILES AND BIRDS. T
. Reptiles and birds. A popular account of the various orders; with a description of the habits and economy of the most interesting. . Fig. 255.—The Virginian Eared Owl. tamed if taken young; but if old when caught, it persistently refusesfood. The Scops-eared Owl {Ephialtes scops, Fig. 256) is remarkable forits diminutive size, which does not exceed that of a Thrush, and forits horns, which are perfectly rudimentary and formed of a singlefeather. Its plumage, which is beautifully shaded with russet, grey,and black, is more pleasing than that of the preceding species. 552 REPTILES AND BIRDS. These Owls are more sociable than larger ones, and assemble inflocks in autumn and spring to migrate into warmer climates; theydepart after the Swallows, and get to their destination soon are of great service to the agriculturist in destroying times when this scourge was prevalent, says Bufifon, smallHorned Owls have been known to arrive in numbers, and wage such a. Fig. 256.—The Scops-eared Owl. successful warfare against the field-mice, that in a few days theground was cleared of them. Dale, an English author, mentions another example of the utilityof the Scops. In 1580 such a large quantity of mice appeared in theplains near South Minster that all the plants were gnawed off by theroots. Soon after, a number of small Horned Owls came in flocks,and destroyed the mice. When pressed by hunger, the Scops is not above eating fish. Itmay then be seen hovering over ponds and rivers, and seizing them HORNLESS OWLS. 553 when on the surface with remarkable dexterity. Bats and largeinsects also are its prey. It is difficult to kill or catch the Scops, although they travel innumerous companies, for they do not begin their journey until theevening, a short time before night closes in, and secrete themselvesin the woods during the day. When they find a place favourable totheir habits of hfe, such as a plain intersected by marshes and smallwoods, there they
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