AMERICAN LONG-EARED OWL
366. Asio wilsonianus. 15 in.
This species can readily be distinguished from the next, which is the
only one of the same size, by its long ear tufts; it is also darker, and
the markings on the breast are largely in the form of bars. In the
northern portions of the United States, this species is probably the
most abundant of owls, excepting the little Screech Owl. It is often
quite common, where its presence is little suspected, because, unless
disturbed, it flies only at night and is a rather silent species. During
the daytime it is usually sitting upright in the dense tops of evergreen
trees. Crows often discover them, and proclaim their hiding place to the
whole neighborhood by their incessant cawing. Owls of all kinds are in
disfavor with crows.