RICHARDSON'S OWL. 



sparrow owl. 



Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni. 



Char. Above, dark brown spotted with white; beneath, white streaked 

 with brown ; legs and feet buffy, sometimes spotted. Similar to the Saw- 

 whet, but with more white on head and neck. Length 9 to 12 inches. 



Nest. In a tree ; of grass and leaves. 



Eggs, 2-4; white; 1.35 X 1.15. 



This is a small and nocturnal species, and so much so that 

 when it accidentally wanders abroad by day it is so much daz- 

 zled by the light as to be rendered unable to make its escape 

 when surprised, and may then be readily caught by the hand. 

 Its nocturnal cry consists of a single melancholy note repeated 

 at the long intervals of a minute or two : and it is one of the 

 superstitious practices of the Indians to whistle when they hear 

 it ; and if the bird remains silent after this interrogatory chal- 

 lenge, the speedy death of the inquirer is augured ; and hence 

 among the Crees it has acquired the omnious appellation of 

 the Bird of Death ( CheepomesTes) . According to M. Hutch- 

 ins, it builds a nest of grass half way up a pine-tree, and lays 



