OWLS AND DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY. 543) 
Bill greenish-white ; iris dark brown ; feet pale whitish- 
green. 
Length about 11; wing 7°75; tail 3°5; tarsus 1°65; bill 
from gape 1°25. 
Distribution.—A rare bird peculiar to Ceylon. A few speci- 
mens have been obtained in the hills under 3,000 feet, and in 
the forest country at the foot of the ranges. 
Habits, &c.—There is little on record regarding these. The 
species is nocturnal and lives in the forest. The nest has been 
found on Martin’s town estate, near Rakwana. It was made 
in the hole of a tree, and was composed of dry twigs, moss, and 
feathers. The parent bird and three young were taken from 
the nest in November, so it would appear to breed towards 
the end of the year and to lay three eggs. As stated in the 
remarks on the order, this Owl is probably the author of some 
of the eerie cries of the Devil Bird. Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker 
informs me that the North Indian species—P. badius —makes 
a noise “ like half a dozen mad cats.” 
Sub-family Asionine. 
Eared Owls and Wood Owls. 
The two Ceylon members of this sub-family are of fairly 
large size. The ear orifice is larger than the eye, and is 
furnished with an operculum. The facial disk is well marked 
and the ruffdistinct. The tarsus and upper surface of the toes 
are fully feathered. The legs and feet are fairly strong, but 
not so stout and formidable as in the Fish and Eagle Owls. 
Rough Key to Ceylon Species. 
A.—Length about 15; wings long and pointed ; ear tufts 
well marked. 
Asio accimitrinus (The Short-eared Owl). 
B.—Length about 18 ; wings rounded ; no ear tufts. 
Syrmum indrani (The Brown Wood Owl). 
