The STONE OWL PROPER (_Athene noctua_) is about eight inches long, and
twenty broad; its wing measures five inches and a half, and the tail
three and three-quarters. The female is slightly larger than her mate.
In the adult of both sexes the upper part of the body is dark mouse
grey, irregularly spotted with white; the face is greyish white, the
belly whitish, spotted with brown, except at the vent; the wing and
tail-feathers are reddish yellow, spotted with white; the beak is greyish
yellow, the foot yellowish grey, and the eye of a brimstone yellow. The
plumage of the young is darker than that of their parents.
[Illustration: THE SNOW OWL (_Nyctea nivea_).]
This bird inhabits the central parts of Europe as far as the south of
Sweden, and is found throughout almost the whole of Asia. In some of
the southern countries of Europe, it is replaced by the celebrated bird
known to the Greeks as "Minerva's Owl" (_Athene indigena_). Two other
varieties are also commonly met with, the one in Spain, the other in
Northern Africa. Mountainous districts are avoided by the Stone Owls,
who prefer living in the immediate vicinity of man, and often build
their nests upon the roofs and steeples of the villages they frequent.
The day is usually passed in some quiet nook, such as a tomb, old wall,
or similar situation, and at night they sally forth in search of food,
striking terror into the heart of many an ignorant peasant, as their
harsh, unearthly cry resounds through the silence of the night. To
such an extent do some of the peasants in Germany carry their absurd
superstition respecting this Owl, as actually to imagine that its notes
distinctly express the words, "Komm mit, komm mit auf den Kirchhof, hof,
hof," or, in plain English, that the sepulchral voice is forewarning
either themselves or some members of their family of impending death, and
speedy consignment to the tomb. In the southern parts of Europe, where
Stone Owls are met with much more frequently than in Germany, familiarity
has bred contempt, and these old wives' tales are entirely unknown. The
flight of this bird is very peculiar, owing to the shortness of its
wings, and much resembles that of a Woodpecker. Whilst perched it usually
draws its head down upon its shoulders; but if attracted by some object,
for it sees excellently well in the daylight, it sits erect and peers at
it with so keen and intelligent an eye as fully to explain the reason
that to this species was assigned the honour of attending on the Goddess
of Wisdom.
[Illustration: THE STONE OWL (_Athene noctua_).]
The Stone Owls are extremely social, and live on very peaceable terms
with their companions, dwelling in the same hole, and going together in
search of prey. Twilight has scarcely set in before their voices are
heard as they sweep about in pursuit of the small quadrupeds, birds, and
insects upon which they subsist; the whole night is passed in pursuit
of food, very much to the annoyance of many a weary sleeper, who is
roused from pleasant dreams by the sudden dash of their bodies against
the window as they vainly endeavour to get to the fire or taper burning
within. During the breeding season they become extremely restless and
noisy, and utter their strange cry throughout the whole day. The eggs,
four to seven in number, are deposited about May in a hole in some old
tree or building; the nestlings are hatched in a fortnight after the
eggs are laid, and are reared upon mice, young birds, and insects. These
Owls are frequently captured in Italy for the purpose of domestication,
as they are easily tamed, and render themselves eminently useful in
houses and gardens, by keeping the premises clear of mice and a variety
of noxious insects. It is no uncommon thing to see three or four of them
fastened to a perch in the stall of an Italian cobbler or tailor, who
amuses himself by observing them as he plies his trade. These prisoners
usually display great affection for their master, who rears them upon
_polenta_ when meat is beyond his means.
* * * * *
The BURROWING OWLS (_Pholeoptynx_) are a family of very remarkable
birds, about the same size as and closely allied to the Stone Owls, but
differing from these latter in their superior length of leg, and in some
other trifling respects. The members of this group are recognisable by
their moderate size, round head, large eyes, and elongated beak, rather
arched at its roof, and terminating in a hook; the lower mandible is
blunt at its tip, and slightly incised upon the margins. The wings, in
which the fourth quill is longer than the rest, are long, powerful, and
rounded at the extremity; the tail is short and straight, the tarsi high,
slender, and only sparsely feathered in front, the sides and sole being
covered with smooth skin; the toes are defended by rough horny plates
interspersed with bristles; the talons are very slightly curved. The
plumage, which is composed of small, soft, silky feathers, lies very
compact; the feathers on the cheek-stripes are stiff and bristle-like,
and the rest of those upon the face small and delicate.