86 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



Hab. Whole of eastern South America, and Middle America (both coasts) north into 

 southern border of United States (Arizona, Bendire ; probably entire southern border). 



The numerous specimens examined come from the Eio Grande of Texas 

 (across the whole hreadth of Middle America) to Paraguay, everywhere the 

 same species, those from the extremes of its range showing scarcely any dif- 

 ference. 



A specimen of the ferruginous plumage, in the collection of the Phila- 

 delphia Academy, is remarkable for the great intensity and uniformity of 

 the rufous ; the entire plumage, in fact, being of this color, a fine light tint 

 of which replaces the white below. There is no trace of bars on either wings 

 or tail. 



In the very large series before me I find in individuals every possible 

 shade between the two extremes described. Over fifty specimens have 

 come under my notice. 



Habits. This little Owl claims a place in our fauna on the strength of 

 several specimens taken in Southern Arizona by Captain Bendire. It is 

 a southern bird, found throughout the whole of Mexico, and ranges thence 

 though the whole of South America, except tlie Pacific coast, as far south as 

 Southern Brazil. In Mexico it is as abundant on the Pacific as on the 

 eastern coast, and is by far the most common Owl of its genus found in 

 that country. 



Mr. E. C. Taylor states that he found this bird pretty common in Trini- 

 dad, where it is said to fly about in the daytime, apparently indifferent to 

 the blazing tropical sun, and is much smaller than any other species of 

 Owl he met with. 



Genus MICRATHENE, Coues. 



Micrathcne, CouES, P. A. N. S. Pliilad. 1866, 57. (Type, Athene ivhitncyi, Cooper.) 



Gen. Char. Size very small (the smallest Owl known) ; head small, and without ear- 

 tufts. Bill and feet weak. Tail short, less than half the wing, even. Nostril small, 



circular, opening in the 

 middle of the much in- 

 flated ceral membrane. 

 Tarsus a little longer 

 than the middle toe, 

 naked, scantily haired, as 

 are also the toes. Four 

 outer quills with their 

 inner webs sinuated ; 

 Mirmthrn. whitneyi. ^^^^.^^^ longest. Ear- 



conch very small, simple, roundish. Bill pale greenisli ; iris yellow. 



This well-marked genus is represented by a single species, found in the 

 Colorado reo-ion of the United States, and in Western Mexico. It is the 



