H4 RAPTORES: Birds of Prey 



PASADENA SCREECH OWL 



(373k. Otus asio quercinus) 8 in. 



Upper parts gray, lined with blackish; white below, streaked 

 and finely barred with black; facial disc outlined in black; large 

 ear-tufts and large eyes (yellow iris) give a cat-like expression. 

 Call: A soft, quavery "oo-oo-oo-oo." 



The Screech Owls are characterized by ear-tufts, large eyes, 

 and prominent facial discs. Distribution of markings is quite 

 similar in all species. 



MEXICAN SCREECH OWL 



(373f. Otus asio cineraceus) 8 in. 



Ashy gray above, the blackish central streak of feathers 

 broader and contrasting rather strongly with the gray; under 

 parts finely and closely barred with blackish. 



SAHUARO SCREECH OWL 



(373i. Otus asio gilmani) 1\ in. 



A small, pale Owl closely associated with the giant cactus, or 

 sahuaro; hence the name. In these strange growths it nests, 

 occupying abandoned holes of the Gila Woodpecker or Gilded 

 Flicker. 



SPOTTED SCREECH OWL See Appendix. 



(373.1. Otus trichopsis) 1\ in. 



FLAMMULATED SCREECH OWL See Appendix. 



(374. Otus flammeolus) 7 in. 



ELF OWL 



(381. Micropallas whitneyi whitneyi) 6 in. 



Grayish brown above, finely spotted with buffy; below, mixed 

 gray, white, and rusty, almost pattern! ess; brows white; a white 

 spot on sides of chin; edges of flight feathers white-spotted. 



Smallest of the Owls. Feeds on such small mammals and birds 

 as it can kill, but more on large insects. Strictly nocturnal. (The 

 Pygmy Owl is diurnal.) When surprised by day, roosting in a 

 thicket, it is said to hold a wing, shield-fashion, before its body. 



