MASON AND LEFROY. 19.5 



Stomachs examined contd. 



12-3-09. 7 Chrotogonus sp. 



3 Brachytrypes achatinus.' "\ 

 12-3-09. 3 Catharsius sabceus. 



12-3-09. 3 Chrotogonus sp. 



1 Atractomorpha crenulata. 



1 Gryllotalpa africana. 

 [ 8-6-08. 1 Chrotogonus sp. 



2 Tryxalis sp ? 



14 Opatrum sp. 

 1 Coprid. 



1 Carabid ? (Head only). 



8-6-08. 6 Brachytrypes achatinut. >' 



10-10-08. 2 Coprids sp. 



1 Catharsius sabceus. 



15 Onthophagus spinifer. 

 20-10-08. 3 Chrotogonus sp. 



1 Gryllotalpa africana. 



Each bird examined contained a certain amount of beetles 

 remains which could not be identified. 



Summary. Of 69 insects taken by 8 birds, 1 is beneficial, 40 

 neutral, and 28 injurious. All birds took injurious insects, 4 took 

 neutral insects, and 1 a beneficial insect. The injurious insects 

 are of more economic importance than the beneficial, but the 

 stomach records are too few for any definite conclusion. 



The Owls occur throughout India being perhaps more numerous 

 in species in forest and hill tracts. About 12 species are found in 

 the plains. Most of the larger genera are represented in the plains, 

 the hills chiefly the Himalayan tracts in Burma and in the Malayan 

 region. They are crepuscular and nocturnal. A few of the larger 

 species attack fawns and some of the larger mammals, but the diet 

 of most is composed chiefly of small birds and mammals such as 

 rats and mice, and large insects such as grasshoppers, the insects 

 being chiefly taken by the smaller owls. A few take fish. 



Damage to game and fish may occur with one or two species of 

 owls but taken as a group they are certainly beneficial. In forming 

 this conclusion we have to take into account what is known of the 

 food of the family in countries other than India. Our records and 

 references to the food of the family are far less than would have been 

 expected from such an interesting group of birds. 



