BUBO ASCALAPHUS 79 



the Djebel Klima, as also near Khroubs, north of the Atlas, but says 

 that the species is not common in Algeria, according to his experience. 

 Dr. Koenig also mentions having obtained a living bird of this species 

 in Tripoli (J. f. 0. 1888, p. 163). I have no note of the occurrence 

 of this Owl in Marocco, but it is not unlikely that it is to be found 

 there. The species is said to have occurred in Sicily, Sardinia 

 and Spain, but there seems to be no authentic record of these 

 occurrences. 



B. ascalaphus generally frequents rocky spots, such as mountain 

 sides and gorges, but may also be found in the vicinity of old ruins 

 and deserted buildings, and in Egypt ancient ruins seem to be its 

 favourite haunts and breeding quarters. Mr. E. Cavendish Taylor 

 obtained two eggs of the species, together with the female bird, on 

 one of the Pyramids. 



B. ascalaphus, however, evidently adapts itself to the physical 

 chai'acter of the country it inhabits, and in some parts of Palestine, 

 according to Canon Tristram (Fauna and Fl. Palestine, p. 93), it 

 resorts to burrows in the ground. 



In its general habits the species resembles the European Eagle- 

 Owl to a considerable extent, but owing to the difference of its 

 environment, it naturally varies in some respects. It is generally 

 to be found in pairs, the two birds being rarely far apart. Though 

 chiefly nocturnal, it does not seem to object to the light of day, 

 being frequently met with in spots exposed to the full rays of the 

 midday sun, and when disturbed, flies off, apparently in no way 

 inconvenienced by the strong light. The principal food of the species 

 consists of the small rodents which abound in most of the semi- 

 desert districts it frequents, but it also preys on hares and birds. 



Like its European congener, B. ascalaphus thrives in confine- 

 ment, and if well cared for, would no doubt live to the same great 

 age which that bird is known to attain in captivity. 



The breeding-season of this species is rather early in the spi-ing, 

 and the site chosen for its eggs is generally among rocky cliffs or 

 ruins. No true nest is made, but the castings of the parent birds are 

 usually found surrounding the eggs, which are two or three in number, 

 pure white, and measure about 52 x 42 mm. 



According to various authors, B. hicho occurs in Algeria, and 

 may therefore also be found in Tunisia, though I have no knowledge 

 of its doing so. An example obtained by Loche in Algeria is pre- 



