NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 

 Verreaux's Eagle Owl. 



[Bubo lacteus.) 



Diet. — Rats, mice, hares, large insects, and occasionally the 

 larger ground frequenting birds. When poultry roost in trees 

 and other unprotected places at night, this owl sometimes preys 

 upon them. When this occurs the farmer should provide 

 suitable protection for his poultry. 



Pearl-spotted Owl. 



[Glaiicidium perlatum.) 



Barred Owl. 



{Glaucidium capense.) 



Diet. — These small owls are diurnal in their habits. They 

 prey on mice and insects. 



Pel's Fishing Owl. 



{Scotopelia peli.) 



Diet. — Fish, rodents, and insects. When guinea-fowls 

 roost in trees they often fall prey to this owl. 



ORDER v.— ACCIPITRES. 



The Falcons. 



(Genus — Falco.) 



Diet. — There are several species of falcons. They prey 

 on rats, mice, birds, grasshoppers, locusts, and other large insects. 

 They, the South African lanner in particular, often haunt the 

 vicinity of homesteads and carry off domestic pigeons and 

 chickens. When not troublesome in the latter respect, the 

 falcons help largely in maintaining the balance of Nature by 



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