The DWARF EARED OWL (_Ephialtes Scops_) is from six to seven inches
long, and from eighteen to nineteen broad; the wing measures five inches
and two-thirds, and the tail about two and a half. The plumage is very
striking; the upper part of the body is reddish brown, shaded with grey,
and streaked and spotted with black; upon the wings the spots are white,
the region of the shoulder is dashed with red; the under side is a
mixture of brownish red and greyish white. The beak and feet are blueish
grey, and the eyes light brimstone yellow. The sexes closely resemble
each other in plumage, but that of the young is more sombre and less
variegated.
The Dwarf Eared Owls are numerous in Southern Europe, and at certain
seasons are met with in its more central portions, where they arrive
early in the year, and leave again for warmer latitudes about September.
Their migrations are performed in large flocks, and often extend as far
as the interior of Africa. They generally resort to fields, vineyards,
and gardens, exhibit no fear of man, and may frequently be seen perching
upon the trees that grow near crowded thoroughfares. During the day they
conceal themselves under the vines, or amongst the branches of trees,
the stems of which they so much resemble in colour as to be in but
little danger of detection so long as they remain quiet. It is not until
evening has fully set in that they sally out in quest of food, and hover,
with something of the movement of a Falcon, close to the surface of the
ground, in quest of mice and similar fare. The nest is built in a hollow
tree, and the eggs, three or four in number, are laid in the autumn.
* * * * *
The NOCTURNAL OWLS are distinguished from those above described, by
their large round heads, broad discs of feathers upon the face, and wide
apertures to the ears, which are unprovided with tufts. The wing is
usually rounded, and the tail and foot vary considerably both as to size
and form. The plumage is either very thick, or lies close and compact.
All the members of this group sleep or doze away the whole day, and only
sally forth when the sun's last rays have disappeared, for in its light
they are perfectly helpless and almost blind.