182 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EGGS. 



379. Pygmy Owl. Glaucidium gnoma. 



Range. Rocky Mountain region and westward; from British Columbia south- 

 ward. These interesting little Owls, which are but seven inches in length, feed 

 in the day time upon insects, mice and, occasionally, small birds. They 

 frequent extensively wooded districts, chiefly in the mountain ranges. They 

 nest in tall trees, generally in deserted Woodpeckers' holes, laying three or four 

 white eggs during May; size about 1.00 x .90. 



379a. California Pygmy Owl. G I auddium gnoma calif ornicum. 



Range. Pacific coast from British Columbia, south through California. 

 This sub-species is darker and more brownish than the last. It is not an 

 uncommon bird in California. They nest in the tallest trees along the ranges, 

 often being found 75 or more feet from the ground. The eggs do not differ from 

 those of the Pygmy Owl, ranging in size from 1.00 x .85 to 1.20 x .95. 



379.1. Hoskin Pygmy Owl. Glaucidium hoskinsii. 



Range. Southern Lower California. 



This species is smaller and more gray than the preceding. It is not probable 

 that its manners of nesting or eggs differ in any respect from those of the others 

 of this genus. 



380. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. Glaucidium phalsenoides. 



Range. Mexico and Central America; north to the Mexican border of the 

 United States. 



This species is of the same size as the last but is much tinged with rufous on 

 the upper parts, and the tail is of a bright chestnut brown color, crossed by 

 about eight bars of black; They nest in hollow cavities in trees, from ten to 

 forty feet from the ground, laying three or four glossy white eggs; size 1.10 x .90. 



381. Elf Owl. Micropallas whitneyi. 



Range. Mexico, north to the bordering states. 



This odd little bird is the smallest member of the family 

 found in America, attaining a length of only six inches. 

 In plumage it may be described as similar to a very small, 

 earless Screech Owl, only with the pattern of the markings 

 a great deal finer. They are said to be quite abundant in 

 the tablelands of central Mexico and in southern Arizona, 

 where they build their nests in deserted Woodpeckers' 

 holes, perhaps most frequently in the giant cactus. It is 

 said to be more nocturnal than the Pygmy Owls and to 

 feed almost exclusively upon insects. They lay from three 



to five eggs having a slight gloss. Size 1.02 x .90. Data. Southern Arizona, 

 May 22, 1902. Nest in a deserted Woodpecker hole. Two eggs. Collector, 

 O. W. Howard. 



