80 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



II.VB. AVhole of eastern South America, and Middle America (both coasts) north into 

 southern border of United States (Arizona, Bendike ; probably entire soutliern border). 



The numerous specimens examined come from tlie IJio Grande of Texas 

 (across tlie whole breadtli of Middle America) to Paraguay, everywhere the 

 same species, those from tiie extremes of its range showing scarcely any dif- 

 ference. 



A specimen of the ferruginous plumage, in tlie collection of the Phila- 

 delphia Academy, is remarkable fur the great intensity and uniformity of 

 the rufous; the entire plumage, in fact, being of this color, a fine light tint 

 of whicli ref)laces the white below. There is no trace of bars on either wings 

 or tail. 



In the very large series before me I find in individuals every possible 

 shade between the two extremes described. Over fifty specimens have 

 come under my notice. 



Habits. This little Owl claims a place in our fauna on the strength of 

 several specimens taken in Southern Arizona by Captain Bendire. It is 

 a soutliern bird, found throughout the whole of Mexico, and ranges thence 

 though the whole of South America, except the Pacific coast, as i'ar south as 

 Southern Urazil. In Mexico it is as abundant on the Pacific as on the 

 eastern coast, and is by far the most common Owl of its genus found in 

 that country. 



Mr. E. C. Taylor states that he found this bird pretty common in Trini- 

 dad, where it is said to fly about in the daytime, apparently indifferent to 

 the blazing tropical sun, and is much smaller than any other species of 

 Owl he met with. 



Genls MICRATHENE, Coles. 



Micrathene, CoUES, P. A. N. S. Philad. ISGG, 57. (Tvije, Athene whitiieyi, CooPEK.) 



Gen. Guar. Size very sru.-ill (the .sm.illcst Owl known) ; head small, and without car- 

 tufts. Bill and feet weak. Tail short, less than half the wing, even. Nostril small, 



circular, opening in the 

 middle of the much in- 

 flated cer.ll membrane. 

 Tarsus a little longer 

 than the middle toe, 

 naked, scantily haired, as 

 are also the toes. Four 

 outer quills with their 

 inner webs sinuated ; 

 fourth longest. Ear- 



Mirrathruf U'hitneyi. 



conch very small, simple, roundisli. Bill pale greenish ; iris yellow. 



This well-marked genus is represented by a single species, found in the 

 Colorado region of the United States, and in Western ]\Iexico. It is the 



