STRIGID.E — THE OWLS — GLAUCIDIUM. 



445 



Not uncommon in the middle parts of California, but I did not meet with 

 it southward. The one I obtained near the Columbia Eiver, in 1854, was 

 flying about on a cloudy day among some sparrows, not much smaller than 

 itself ; and sometimes, according to Townsend, this owl makes a meal of 

 tliem, though my sj^ecimeu had nothing but insects in its stomach. Its 

 fliglit is rapid and easy, and its motions quick for an owl. Drs. Heer- 

 mann and Newberry mention its frequent occurrence in the Sierra Nevada, 

 but of its habits nothing further has been recorded. 



Mr. J. K. Lord found this bird on Vancou^•er's Island, and found the nest 



G. Calijorniriun. 



of the pair, or rather two round rough eggs, laid on the decayed wood in a 

 large knot-hole of an oak near a small lake, early in May. By watching in 

 the morning twilight lie observed them to ily with a .short, quick, jerking 

 flight in search of insects, which they usually captured on the ground, often 

 pouncing upon them from the lower branches. After obtaining enough food 

 the pair would sit close together in tlie shade during the heat and glare of 

 the sunshine, and about dusk again pursued their prey for a short time, re- 

 tiring at dark into the knot-hole, thus showing that their habits are not 

 nocturnal. 



The Indians seem to have a greater superstitious dread of this owl than 

 of any other animal, and to consider the killing of one as sure to cause 

 horrible misfortunes. 



Sub-Family NYCTEININ^, The Day Owls. 



Char. General form compact and robust. Head moderate, without ear- 

 tufts ; wings and tail rather long ; tarsi strong, which, with the toes, are 

 more densely covered than in any other division of this family. 



