ANATOMY OF BIRDS
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
MIGRATIONS OF BIRDS
CLASSIFICATION OF BIRDS
LIZARD-TAILED BIRD
AMERICAN TOOTHED-BIRDS
THE OSTRICHES
THE RHEAS
EMEUS AND CASSOWARIES
THE TINAMOUS
THE KIWIS
THE PENGUINS
LOONS AND GREBES
ALBATROSSES & PETRELS
STORK-LIKE BIRDS
GOOSE-LIKE BIRDS
FALCON-LIKE BIRDS
FOWL-LIKE BIRDS
CRANE-LIKE BIRDS
PLOVER-LIKE BIRDS
CUCKOO-LIKE BIRDS
THE ROLLER-LIKE BIRDS
SPARROW-LIKE BIRDS
Birds and Birding's Guide to:
Watching THE ROLLER-LIKE BIRDS
THE ROLLERS AND THEIR ALLIES
THE OWLS
Great Gray Owl
Formerly included in the last genus are two splendid Owls that are now referred to a separate genus (Scotiaptex), on the ground of their larger size, relatively smaller bill, eyes, and feet, and much broader facial disk. As in certain of the Barred Owls, the toes are entirely covered with feathers. Of these the Great Gray Owl (5. cinerea) is a handsome bird of Arctic America, extending as far north apparently as the limit of trees, and coming south in winter to the northern border of the United States. It is from twenty-five to thirty inches in length and has a spread of wings of between fifty-four and sixty inches. In color it is dusky grayish brown and grayish white, varied both above and below with irregular dark markings.
It frequents the thick woods of the north, and is regarded by some as being a rather stupid bird, sometimes permitting itself to be taken in the hand without protest, although in defense of the nest it is said to be fierce enough. Its flight appears to be heavier and more labored than is usual among Owls, yet on this point there are differences of opinion. In the southern part of its range it is crepuscular or slightly nocturnal; but at the north, where during the short Arctic summer the sun never sinks below the horizon, it is by force of circumstances abroad in daylight. Its food consists principally of hares, mice, and small birds, and presumably its great size permits it to capture Ptarmigan, Grouse, and other large birds.
The nest, of large sticks and lined with feathers, is placed in a tall spruce or poplar, and the eggs are from two to four in number.
previous bird species next bird species
Footer
Footer