Descriptive List of the Common Birds 



walls of bungalows. This is the only owl which 

 can be classed as a familiar bird. Three other 

 species, however, are often seen, namely 

 (Illus. B. D., p. 256 ; also B. P., p. 94, and 

 B. B., p. 29) : 



136. Strix fiammea : The Barn Owl or 

 Screech Owl. (F. 1152), (J. 60), (IV.) 



This is a reddish-brown bird barred with 

 narrow white and black bars. It has a long 

 heart-shaped face, which is white. 



It is very nocturnal in its habits ; when it 

 does get abroad in the daytime it is promptly 

 mobbed by the crows. Its cry is a weird screech, 

 and it is regarded by the people as a bird of 

 evil omen. 



137. Asio accipitrinus : The Short-eared 

 Owl. (F. iiS7),a.68), (+IV.) 



A large buif bird barred all over with dark 

 brown. It lies up during the day in grass, and 

 is often flushed by sportsmen. Sometimes 

 three or four are flushed together. It is a 

 winter visitor to India. 



138. Scops giu : The Scops Owl. (F. 1173), 



a-74), (-n.) 



This may be distinguished from the spotted 

 owlet by the fact that it possesses " horns " 

 or ear-tufts. Like most other owls it is heard 

 175 



