The HAIRY-FOOTED OWL (_Nyctale dasypus_) is distinguished by its
unusually broad head, large ear-apertures, and well-developed facial
discs; the wings are rounded, the tail of moderate size, and the short
and rounded tarsi, covered with long, thickly-set feathers; the plumage
is soft and silky. The upper parts of the body are mouse grey, with large
white spots; and the under side white, distinctly streaked with greyish
brown. The wings and tail-feathers are mouse grey, with irregular white
stripes; the long feathers about the face whitish grey, mottled with
black; the beak is greyish yellow, and the eye bright gold colour. The
young are of an uniform reddish brown, with white spots upon the wings
and tail. The length of this species is from nine to ten, its breadth
from twenty-one to twenty-three inches, and the tail about six or seven
inches.
[Illustration: THE TREE OWL (_Syrnium aluco_).]
These birds inhabit Central Europe, and are likewise found in the
northern parts of Asia and America; they are never seen in any large
numbers, and are reckoned among the greatest rarities in our aviaries,
owing to the difficulties attendant on their capture, for their retreats
are usually in the deepest recesses of woods and forests, which they
seldom quit. A hollow tree is the favourite resort of a pair of
Hairy-footed Owls, and there they remain during the whole day, but at
night fly away together in search of food. They appear carefully to
avoid the light of the sun, and are extremely timorous. Should they be
molested by the sportsman, they at once lie down close behind the branch
in which they are perched, and thus effectually put themselves out of
both sight and gunshot. Their voice somewhat resembles the syllables "Wi,
wi, wi," and is not unlike the whimper of a child; this cry is heard
principally in the evening and at early morning. The eggs, three or
four in number, are deposited about April or May in a hollow tree, and
are similar to those of the Stone Owl. Mice, insects, small birds, and
bats constitute their principal food; the latter, according to our own
observations, are caught on the wing. As in the case of the Uhu, all the
small birds seem to delight in mobbing and harrying this dreaded foe,
whenever they discover it sitting in the day-time perched and perfectly
helpless. The young are destroyed in great numbers by the larger species
of Owls and other enemies. A Hairy-footed Owl kept in Dr. Brehm's house
soon became extremely tame, and though at first it invariably took refuge
in the darkest corner of its dark cage, it soon lost this habit, and
hopped about even during the day; it took its food from the hand of its
master, and carried it to a quiet nook to be devoured, concealing the
prize with its feathers whilst it ate. It seldom drank, but bathed almost
daily when the weather was warm; if cold, it crouched upon the ground,
drawing up its feet under its body. Its voice sounded occasionally
somewhat like the low bark of a dog.
[Illustration: THE BARN OWL (_Strix flammea_).]
* * * * *
The VEILED OWLS (_Strix_) constitute one of the most remarkable groups
of this very important family. Their body is slender, the neck long,
the head large and broad, the wings of great size, and the tail of
medium length, the legs are high, the plumage silky and very varied in
its coloration. The beak is elongate, straight at the base, hooked at
its tip, and the under mandible slightly indented. The eye is small and
more arched than that of other species; the ear appears unusually large,
owing to the long feathers by which it is encircled, and which form a
heart-shaped frill around the face, the tarsi are but slightly plumed,
and are covered upon the lower portion with fine bristles; the toes are
almost bare, the claws long, thin, and pointed.
The Veiled Owls are found in all parts of the world, dwelling in populous
districts, in and around villages, and when these are not to be found,
seeking shelter in hollow trees; they especially delight in old ruins,
and are constantly met with in church steeples, ancient castles, and
dismantled towers, as such buildings afford them safe hiding-places until
the evening closes in. All the members of this group so closely resemble
each other that they might readily be mistaken for one and the same
species, and all are equally remarkable for the beauty of their plumage.