no THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of Tengmalm's Owl are from four to seven in 

 number. Instances are on record where as many as ten 

 have been found, but these were probably the produce 

 of two females. They differ a good deal in shape, some 

 being much more elongated than others, and are pure 

 white and somewhat smooth in texture. Average 

 measurement, i'28 inch in length by I'l inch in breadth. 

 The duration of the period of incubation is unknown, as 

 is also the sex which undertakes it. 



Diagnostic characters: The eggs of Tengmalm's 

 Owl, if the locality can be relied upon, are not easily 

 confused with those of any other species, but unless 

 they are carefully identified and authenticated they are 

 worthless. 



Family STRIGID.'E. Genus Athene. 



Sub-family BUBONIN^. 



LITTLE OWL. 



Athene noctua {Scopoli). 



(Biitish : Rare abnormal migrant.) 



Single Brooded. Laying season, latter half of April and first 

 half of May. 



Breeding area : South-western Palaearctic region. 

 The Little Owl breeds throughout Europe south of 

 Scandinavia and lat. 56° in Russia, becoming most abun- 

 dant in the south, especially in those countries bordering 

 the Mediterranean. 



Breeding habits : The haunts of the Little Owl are 

 as much in the wooded cultivated districts near villas^es 



