THE PIGMY OWL’S NEST. 31 
Californicum.* There can be no doubt that the 
two names, Strix infuscata and Strix passeri- 
noides, were used by Temminck to designate 
the same species, which is strictly from South 
America, and quite distinct from our little friend, 
though closely allied. The name Glaucidium gno- 
ma, used by Wagler, I adopt as having precedence. 
Its specific characters need not be given here, 
being readily obtainable by referring to any of 
the list of works quoted in the synonyms. I may 
mention, however, that the grand and marked 
specific differences, as distinguishing this from 
the South American species, are that in G. gnoma 
the toes are naked, the colour generally lighter, 
and the size somewhat less. Total length of male, 
7 inches ; wings, 34 inches; tail, 8 inches. The 
sexes are very nearly alike, but the female is rather 
the larger, and more thickly spotted with white. 
Early in May two small eggs were laid— 
round, and very rough on the surface—a large 
knot-hole in the branch of the oak being selected 
as the nesting-place. Not a particle of anything 
was used as lining, the eggs being deposited on 
the bare wood. The length of time occupied in 
incubation I regret inability to state, having to 
shift my camp some distance away soon after the 
* «Proccedings Zoological Society,’ 1857, page 4. 
