SuE-FAMILY STRIGINAE (Sereech Owls) 
These are the common and well known owls. They have a 
complete facial disk ; wings long ; tail short; bill longish with the 
tip curved ; tarsus long. 
(60) Strix Javontca, Indian Screech Owl. Better known as 
Indian Barn Owl. The bad reputation this bird labours under, in 
the plains, as a conveyor of evil tidings, especially when the screech 
is heard, does not seem to effect its own peace of mind, for it never- 
theless appears to be happy and contented. In Bengal it goes under 
the name of “Buri churi” the bad bird, in other places, “ death 
bird,” messenger of death, and so on, names displaying the ignorance 
superstition and perversity of the human side of nature. 
(62) PHODILUS BADIUS, is rare and generally found in the warm 
valleys in Sikkim. 
None of this sub-family are found in or near Darjeeling. 
SuB-FAMILY SYRNIINE ( Hooting Owls) 
These birds usually have well marked plumage and frequent 
woods and forests, from whence they keep up a hooting call of two 
notes. The head of this bird is smaller than the former group and 
facial disk incomplete ; wings rounded ; tarsus short and strong ; 
tail longish. 
(66) Syrntum Nivicotum, Himalayan Wood-Owl. The body 
of this bird is robust and plumage prettily marked. This species is 
difficult to find owing to its fairly restricted nocturnal habits, also 
its propensity for remaining hidden away in big trees with dense 
foliage, and, usually, in well wooded parts of the district generally 
over 7000 ft., Nivicolum is 17 ins. in length ; plumage mottled above, 
with reddish brown and white ; wing coverts spotted with white, 
brown and white bands on the quills ; tail brown with light bands ; 
lower parts of the body are prettily marked with bars of brown and 
white. 
‘Sus-FAMILY ASIONINA 
These owls have ear like feathers on each side of the forehead, 
usually called aigrettes ; wings long; head large ; a fairly complete 
facial disk of feathers ; bill short and curved. 
(68) Orus BRacuyotus, Short-eared Owl. These birds visit us 
chiefly in the cold weather, so that when found in the more wooded 
districts below Darjeeling, they are usually on their migratory 
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