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SPECIES 3. STRIX NEB ULOSI.
                    BARRED OWL.
                [Plate XXXIII.-Fig. 2.]
TURTON, SySt. 169.-.Jrct. Zool. p. 234, .o. 122.-LATH. 133.-
  Strix acclantator, the Whooting Owl, BARTRAM, 289.-PEALB'S
  .Museum, Xo. 464.*
  THIs is one of our most common Owls. In winter, particu-
larly, it is numerous in the lower parts of Pennsylvania, among
the woods that border the extensive meadows of Schuylkill
and Delaware. It is very frequently observed flying during
day, and certainly sees more distinctly, at that time, than many
of its genus. In one spring, at different times, I met with more
than forty of them, generally flying, or sitting exposed. I also
once met with one of their nests, containing three young, in
the crotch of a white-oak, among thick foliage. The nest was
rudely put together, composed outwardly of sticks, intermixed
with some dry grass, and leaves, and lined with smaller twigs.
At another time, in passing through the woods, I perceived
something white, on the high shaded branch of a tree, close to
the trunk, that, as I thought, looked like a cat asleep. Unable
to satisfy myself, I was induced to fire, when, to my surprise
and regret, four young Owls, of this same species, nearly full
grown, came down headlong, and fluttering for a few moments,
died at my feet. Their nest was probably not far distant. I have
also seen the eggs of this species, which are nearly as large as
those of a young pullet, but much more globular, and perfectly
white.
  These birds sometimes seize on fowls, partridges, and young
rabbits; mice, and small game, are, however, their most usual
* We adcl the following sy1onyDnIes. Strix nebulosa, LATIN. i1d. 0G n. p.
58.-
(GITEL. SySt. I, 1). 291 -TExmf Mar. (d Or i, 2p. 88,
  Vo0.. I -s s