180 BIEDS OF EGYPT. 



163. Bubo ignavus, Forst. Eagle Owl. 



This bird appears very rarely in Egypt. Von Heuglin 

 (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 110) mentions having seen a fine old 

 specimen, which was shot in the vrinter in the neighbourhood 

 of Cairo. I know of no other instance of its capture in the 

 country ; but the statement of such a good ornithologist is 

 sufficient proof that the present species does come to Egypt, 

 though probably only as a straggler. In habits it is solitary, 

 and frequents rocks and ruins. 



It has very long and distinct horns. 



Entire upper plumage yellowish brown, tinted with rufous 

 and mottled with black, the quills and tail irregularly barred ; 

 throat white, remainder of the under plumage ferruginous 

 bufi", the feathers boldly marked with black down the centre 

 and barred with the same colour ; legs and feet covered with 

 downy buff feathers ; beak dusky ; irides orange. 



Entire length 24 inches; culmen 1*5; wing, carpus to 

 tip, 16'5 ; tarsus 2"5. 



Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 37. 



164. Bubo ascalaphtjs, Sav. Egyptian Eagle Owl. 



This species is distributed throughout Egypt and Nubia, 

 and remains there the whole year. It frequents the moun- 

 tains and ruins. Perhaps the best localities to meet with it 

 are the Pyramids and the rocks near Soohay. It breeds in 

 March. 



Upper plumage buff, mottled with dark brown and white ; 

 quills and tail-feathers barred with dark brown ; chin and 

 throat white ; remainder of the underparts buff, the feathers 



