Strix passerina, LINNÆUS; La Chevèche, ou Petite Chouette,
BUFFON; Die Zwergeule, BECHSTEIN.
The feathers of this bird make it appear larger than it really is. Its
length is from eight to nine inches, of which the tail measures at least
three; the folded wings almost reach the extremity; the beak is ten
lines in length, brown at the base, and yellow at the point; the iris is
yellow in summer, and meadow green in winter; the claws blackish; the
upper part of the body is light brown, with round white spots, which are
largest on the back and shoulders; the lower part is white, spotted with
dark brown and a little orange; the quill feathers dark brown, with
white spots; the tail lighter, with red spots, which may almost be
taken for transverse bands. The colours are less brilliant in the
female.
HABITATION.--In its wild state this small species of owl frequents old
buildings, towers, and church walls, where its nest is also
found[14].
In the house it must always be kept in a cage, which may be hung in
the window, for if permitted to mix with the other birds it would
kill them.
FOOD.--When wild its general food is mice and large insects; I have
also found in the indigested remains which this, like other birds of
prey, discharges from its stomach, a considerable quantity of the
fruit of the red cornel tree (_Cornus sanguinea_, Linnæus). This
proves that it also feeds on berries.
In the cage it may be kept for some time in good health, without
having its excrements tainted, if fed on dried mutton: the skin, fat,
and bones must be removed, and the meat left to soak in water for two
days before it is eaten. Three quarters of an ounce a day of this
meat dried will be sufficient, particularly if now and then some mice
or birds be given it, which it swallows, feathers and all; it can
devour as many as five mice at a meal. It begins to wake up at about
two in the afternoon, and then becomes very lively, and soon wants
its food.
BREEDING.--The female lays two white eggs, which the male takes his
turn to sit upon; the young ones may be very easily reared on fresh
meat, particularly on pigeons. Before the first moulting the head is
of a soft reddish grey clouded with white. The large round spots on
the back become gradually more marked, and the reddish white of the
under part by degrees acquires long streaks of brown on the breast
and sides.
DISEASES.--If great care be not taken sometimes to give it mice or
birds, the fur and feathers of which cleanse the stomach, it will
soon die of decline.
MODE OF TAKING.--When the place of its retreat during the day is
discovered, it cannot fail to be taken if a net in the form of a bag
or sack be placed over the mouth of the hole, for the bird will by
this means entrap itself when endeavouring to come out for the
evening.
ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES.--This bird, which is very cleanly, always
deposits its dung in one particular spot. Its singular motions are
amusing, but its harsh cry, and restlessness, particularly during the
season of copulation, are rather disagreeable. It is much used on the
continent as a decoy, to entrap small birds.