BARN OWL
365. Aluco pratincola. 18 in.
Plumage very soft, finely barred and specked; general coloration gray,
yellowish-brown and white. No ear tufts; eyes small and brown; face very
long; legs very long. These peculiar owls are abundant in the south,
where they are commonly known as “Monkey-faced Owls,” because of their
odd visage. They are very useful birds, and are usually recognized as
such. Their food consists almost wholly of small squirrels, rodents,
reptiles and insects. It does most of its hunting just after dusk and
early in the morning. Its flight is rather slow and entirely noiseless,
as is that of all the members of the family.
Nest.—In hollow trees, under the roofs of barns or in caves; the four to
six eggs are pure white (l.70 × 1.30).
Range.—United States, breeding north to New York, Ontario, and
Washington. Winters in the southern half of the United States.
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