THE SAW -WHET OWL 203 



Genus Cryptoglaux Richmond. 



28. CRYPTOGLAUX ACADICA ACADICA (Gmelin). 372. 

 Saw-whet Owl. Acadian Owl. 



Fig. 83. The Saw-whet Owl. 



Field Characters. The smallest of our owls. Brownish above 

 with lighter under parts, yellow eyes, and no ear-tufts. Usually not 

 shy, and not common. 



Description. Above, rich brownish with streaks of white on the 

 head and white spots on the back. Tail with white bars. Below, 

 whitish with reddish brown streaks. Feet buffy, feathered. Eyes 

 yellow. 



Immature birds lack the streaks and spots of the adult. 



Measurements. Length, 7.50 to 8.50 inches; wing, 5.25 to 5.75 

 inches ; tail, about 3 inches. 



Range. North America in general ; breeding from Nebraska, 

 Indiana, Maryland and other middle states north to the middle 

 Canadian region. In winter it is found south to the Gulf States. 



