BUBO MACULOSUS. as) 
of rivers, away from which localities I never saw it. These Owls 
generally go in pairs, but I once saw five together, out of which I 
procured my specimen; after the first disturbance they get more 
wary. I fancy they breed in old nests of other birds as I once saw 
an Owl sitting in one.” 
The following note is given by Dr. Kirk :— “The habits of this 
_ bird resemble those of Scotopelia peli. It is much more common, 
being rather plentiful among the mountains, and not unfrequently 
met with in the Zambesi and particularly the river Shiré valley.” 
Dr. Dickerson also procured examples at Magomero and Chibisa in 
the Zambesi country, and gives the iris as “dark russet brown.” 
General colour above and below brownish-grey, minutely variegated 
throughout. A white mark extends from the shoulder half-way down 
the back, and several white blotches appear on the wing-coverts. The 
facial disk is lightish grey ; a semicircle of black extends from each 
horn, under the chin, but they do not unite by several inches. The 
horns are dark rusty-brown. The stiff hairs, which project along the 
bill, are black along their shafts and at the tips. Cere, blucish grey ; 
bill, pale ash-colour; iris, very dark hazel; eyelid, a conspicuous 
pink. Length, 26”; wing, 183”; tail, 11; tarsus, 3 inches. ; 
Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. ii, pl. 4. 
67. Buzo MAcuLosus. Spotted Eagle Owl. 
This is the commonest Owl in South Africa, and is found through- 
out the colony. Victorin procured it at the Knysna, in June and 
November, and Mr. Rickard informs us that it is plentiful both at 
Hast London and at Port Elizabeth. Mr. Ayres has collected it in 
Natal, where also Mr. R. 8. Fellows shot it, on the Tugela River. Mr. 
Ayres has found it breeding in the Transvaal. Dr. Dickerson procured 
it in the Zambesi country. Mr Andersson observes :—* This Owl is 
sparingly met with in Damara and Great Namaqua Land,” and 
Senor Anchieta has procured it at Humbe on the river Cunéné. 
Mr. Monteiro says it is abundant about Benguela, and Anchieta met 
with it at Huilla and Caconda. 
It frequents forests, open lands, bush-covered or cultivated places 
indiscriminately. We think it is subject to partial migrations, as on 
several occasions we have, while hunting for game, come upon little 
parties of eight or ten individuals, which kept together in their flight. 
Pointer-dogs will stand to them as staunchly as to game. Our lato 
