ZOOLOGY. 397 



The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is ten inches long, 

 ashy-brown above and whitish -brown beneath, variegated by 

 spots and bands of white and dark-brown. Dr. Newberry 

 says : " The burrowing owl is found in many parts of Califor- 

 nia, where it shares the burrows of Beechey's and Douglas's 

 spermophiles. We usually saw them standing at the entrance 

 of their burrows. They often allowed us to approach within 

 shot, and, before taking flight, twisting their heads about, 

 bowed with many ludicrous gestures, thus apparently aiding 

 their imperfect sight, and getting a better view of the intruder. 

 When shot at and not killed, or when otherwise alarmed, they 

 fly with an irregular jerking motion, dropping down much like 

 a woodcock at some other hole." 



The pigmy owl ( Glaucidium gnoma) is seven inches long, 

 and inhabits the wooded districts. It flies about actively in the 

 daytime, and appears to subsist chiefly on sparrows, which it 

 catches in daylight. The general color is brownish-olive above 

 and brownish-white beneath. 



316. Eoa d-runner^ The paisano, or road-runner, (Geo- 

 coccyx . calif ornianus) is one of the most remarkable birds in 

 the State. It lives almost entirely upon the ground, very 

 rarely flies, and frequents the highways, along which it will 

 run from any one approaching. Its speed is nearly equal to 

 that of a common horse, and it often furnishes an exciting 

 chase to the solitary rider. It is found only in the valleys and 

 low hills, and makes its home among the bushes. The bird is 

 akin to the cuckoo, and its generic name signifies " ground- 

 cuckoo." Its length is from twenty to twenty -three inches, 

 of which twelve are taken up by the tail. The color is olive- 

 green above and white beneath ; the central tail feathers are 

 olive-brown, the others dark-green all edged and (except 

 the central two) tipped with white. Dr. Heermann says : " I 

 have not witnessed the following feat, but am assured by 

 many old Californians that this bird, on perceiving the rattle- 

 snake coiled up asleep, basking in the sun, will collect the 



