36 BIRDS OF LA PLATA 
vegetation gave place to tH soft perishable grasses 
and clovers, accidentally introduced by European 
settlers, the Owl disappeared from the country, like 
the large Tinamu (Rhynchotis rufescens), the Red- 
billed Finch (Embernagra platensis), and various 
other species; for the smooth level plains afforded 
it no shelter. Now, however, with the spread of 
cultivation, it has reappeared, and is once more 
becoming a common bird in the more settled 
districts. 
BURROWING-OWL 
Speotyto cunicularia 
Above dark sandy brown, with large white oval spots and small 
spots and freckles of pale brown; wings with broad whitish cross- 
bars ; facial disk greyish brown; beneath white; length 10, wing 7.5, 
tail 3.5 inches. Female similar, but larger. 
THE Burrowing-Owl is abundant everywhere on the 
pampas of Buenos Ayres and avoids woods, but not 
districts abounding in scattered trees and bushes. 
It sees much better than most Owls by day, and 
never affects concealment nor appears confused by 
diurnal sounds and the glare of noon. It stares 
fixedly— with insolence,’’ Azara says—at a passer- 
by, following him with the eyes, the round head 
turning about as on a pivot. If closely approached 
it drops its body or bobs in a curious fashion, emit- 
ting a brief scream, followed by three abrupt ejacula- 
