Ornithology of Central America. 221 



298. Scops ? 



Though a skin from Cajabon seems to present some features 

 that might entitle it to be considered as a distinct species, yet 

 so much obscurity exists with respect to these Owls, that to give 

 new names tends only to increase the confusion. The species to 

 which it is most nearly allied are Scops usta, Sclater, P. Z. S. 

 1858, p. 132, and S. brasiliensis, from the former of which it differs 

 in having the ears less conspicuous, and in wanting the deep 

 rufous tinge that pervades the whole plumage of that bird. It also 

 has a light marking over the eye which is wanting in S. usta. 

 From the latter it differs in its general tone of colouring, the 

 breast being lighter and the back richer and more rufous. More 

 examples will be necessary, to trace the changes of its plumage, 

 before entering upon its claims to be held as a really distinct 

 species. 



299. LoPHOSTRix STRiCKLANDi, Sclat. ct Salv. Scops cris- 

 tata, Daud., var., Strickl., Contr. Orn. 1848, p. 60, pi. 10. 



The late Mr. Strickland has, in his usual accurate manner, 

 pointed out the characters which distinguish this Central Ame- 

 rican bird from its prototype of Cayenne. He was acquainted 

 only with one example, from which his figure was taken. 

 Mr. Skinner having lately transmitted three examples of this 

 bird from the Vera Paz, all of which agree in the distinctions 

 given by Mr. Strickland, we cannot avoid considering it as en- 

 titled to specific rank. The most obvious differences are the 

 absence of the white on the forehead, the blackish ear-coverts, 

 and the much more distinct markings on the wings in the 

 present bird. 



300. Syrnium nebulosum (Forster) : Baird's Rep. p. 56. 



(N. A.) 



The Norwich Museum contains examples of this Owl trans- 

 mitted by Mr. Skinner from Cajabon, where it appears to breed, 

 as one of the specimens is in the downy plumage of the young 

 bird. 



301. Syrnium virgatum, Cassin, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 285. 

 Numerous examples of this species have been transmitted by 



Mr. Skinner. 



