In the northern parts of Scotland it is a regular migrant, but elsewhere within these islands it is resident, though immigrations from the Continent occur every year. It is a very silent bird, but occasionally gives rise to a short mellow bark. The sexes resemble each other and are buffish, heavily speckled and vermiculated with dark brown, ashy, and white. The markings of the young are yellowish, and warmer in tint. The name is derived from two longish tufts of feathers above the facial disc, which can be erected at will. Length 14 in.; wing 11·5 in. THE SHORT-EARED OWL Asio accipitrinus (Pallas) Unlike the preceding species, this bird inhabits fens, marshes, and open moorlands. In Scotland it nests fairly commonly, but in England it is decidedly rare and local as a breeding species, while it has never been known to breed in Ireland. The nest is placed on the ground, at the foot of a small bush in long sedge, or among heather. No real nest is made, but a few bits of grass or heather are arranged round the eggs. These are usually five in number, and, like all Owls’ eggs, pure white. In some seasons these Owls become much more abundant in certain places, due generally to a great increase in their food, which consists almost entirely of field-voles. In the years when these voles increase to an enormous extent, this species will also appear nesting in considerable numbers, where it was almost unknown before, and in such seasons as many as twelve eggs have been found in a clutch. It is by no means a nocturnal bird but takes its food by day, and may thus be easily noticed on its approach in a new locality. The flight is somewhat heavy and uncertain, frequently twisting about and rolling from side to side. [Illustration: LONG-EARED OWL _Asio otus_] In autumn, large immigrations reach this country from abroad, and during the winter it becomes quite common in suitable places throughout England and Ireland. He is frequently flushed from the turnip-fields in October, and is for this reason known in some places as the “Woodcock Owl.” In plumage it resembles the preceding species, but the markings are bolder and the delicate grey vermiculations are entirely absent. The ear tufts are much shorter. Length 14·5 in.; wing 12 in. TAWNY OWL Syrnium aluco (Linnæus)