90 FAUNA AND FLORA OF PALESTINE. 



Asia up to the Arctic Circle in summer, and as far as South Africa and 

 India in winter. It goes even as far as Celebes. 



179. Coccystcs glandariHs. (Linn. Syst. Nat. i., p. 169.) Great 

 Spotted Cuckoo. 



This Cuckoo returns nearly a month earlier than its congener. 



For a few days large flocks of them may constantly be seen on their 

 passage northwards, but many remain scattered in the wooded parts 

 of the country. 



They have the same parasitic habit as most of the other members of the 

 Cuckoo family. In Algeria they deposit their eggs in the nests of the 

 Mauritanian Magpie, the eggs of which they very closely resemble. In 

 the Holy Land I have found them only in the nest of the Hooded Crow 

 (Corvus comix), and that very frequently. No doubt they will also be found 

 in the nest of the Syrian Jay, which is common in districts like Carmel, 

 where there are no Crows, and where the Spotted Cuckoo abounds. 



The Great Spotted Cuckoo has been twice taken in England. It 

 migrates to South-western Europe in summer, and is found through all 

 Africa, but not further east than Syria, excepting that it has been recorded 

 once from Shiraz. 



ORDER, STRIGES. 



FAMILY, STRIGID.-E. 



180. Strix flanwica. Linn. Syst. Nat. i., p. 133. Barn Owl. Heb. 

 D^nri. A. v., Night-hawk.* Arab. Ul™*^, Masdm/i, and J^\ ^js, 

 Boonich abiad, 'White Owl.' 



The Barn Owl may be more often heard than seen, but it is well 

 known to the natives. We met with it occasionally, generally about ruins. 



The range of this bird is almost world-wide. Excepting in the 

 extreme northern regions of the Arctic Circle it has been noted every- 

 where in the Old and New World, and through the islands of the 

 Pacific and Indian Ocean. It has only not been recorded from Japan, 

 China, and New Zealand. 



* Nat. Hist. Bible, p. 191. 



