NESTING OF THE EAGLE OWL AT CROYDON. 5 



bird, while nesting on the ground, is not liable to 

 be disturbed by any one passing near the cage. 



I have also a pair of the little owl (Athene noctua) 

 sitting at present on three eggs, which are deposited 

 in a small covered box, placed in the corner of the 

 aviary. This species in its wild state deposits its 

 eggs in holes of deserted buildings, in crevices of 

 rocks, or in the hollows of decayed trees. I am 

 exceedingly interested in the nesting habits of this 

 species, as, to the best of my belief, it has never 

 reared its young in confinement. A pair in the 

 possession of Mr. J. H. Gurney laid four eggs in 

 May, 1851, of which two hatched out ; but as the 

 young soon disappeared, the old birds were supposed 

 to have devoured them. The period of incubation 

 was not ascertained in this instance. No species of 

 European owl, with one exception to which I shall 

 presently refer, as I am aware, forms any actual 

 nest, the eggs being either placed in hollows 

 scratched in the ground, as is the case with the 

 eagle owl, .snowy owl, and short-eared owl, or 

 deposited in a tree cavity, or hole in a wall or old 

 building. The tawny owl, barn owl, hawk owl, 

 Tengmalm's owl, lesser European sparrow owl, 

 and scops-eared owl, select such situations for 

 their breeding-places. No materials to form a nest 

 seem to be collected a want which is in a great 

 degree obviated by the pellets containing the 



