. American bird magazine, ornithology. Birds. 252 AMERICAN HABITS. With the possible exception of the Screech Owl, the Barred Owl is the most common mem- ber of the family in the eastern part of the United States, and without any exception they are the most noisy. As is the case with other owls, this one does the greater part of his hunting at night although he can see equally as well during the day time and especially during cloudy weather, is frequently found flying about then. In all probability it is not so much a regard for their eyes that in- duces them to be birds of the n
. American bird magazine, ornithology. Birds. 252 AMERICAN HABITS. With the possible exception of the Screech Owl, the Barred Owl is the most common mem- ber of the family in the eastern part of the United States, and without any exception they are the most noisy. As is the case with other owls, this one does the greater part of his hunting at night although he can see equally as well during the day time and especially during cloudy weather, is frequently found flying about then. In all probability it is not so much a regard for their eyes that in- duces them to be birds of the night as it is their nerves. All feathered creatures regard them as foes, and should one show himself in the daytime he is persecuted for hours by all the birds in the neighborhood. To escape this they remain hidden in some shadowy retreat in the depths of the woods, from whence they come at dusk to quietly drop upon their unsuspecting prey, whether it be bird, animal or reptile, without the necessity of an exciting chase. The flight of the Barred Owl is very easy and, at times, very rapid, although the soft texture of their feathers makes the sound of the beating of their wings inaudible. They are usually solitary, and, except during the mating season, it is not common to find more than one of them in a locality. Their canny cries may be heard at all hours of the night in places where there is extensive timber land. Their voice at times has a very human sound, and it has frequently brought terror to the hearts of unfortunates who have been alone in the depths of the woods at night. Their cry ranges from several different inter- pretations resembling "hoo-hoo," several times repeated, to a wild burst of demoniacal laughter. They are now regarded as semi-useful birds ; that is, they destroy a small per centage of poultry or birds useful to man, while the obnox- ious rodents form quite a large percentage of the diet. They are also fond of fish, which they catch by jumpin
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