Tengmalm's Owl 



outer ring ; under parts whitish, barred and streaked with 

 brown. Length 9 in. ; wing 6'5 in. 



The plumage of this species is exceptionally thick and 

 downy ; the feathers on the legs and toes especially so. 



THE LITTLE OWL 



Athene noctua (Scopoli) 



This bird has undoubtedly occurred on many occasions 

 as a straggler in this country, but its claim as a British 

 Bird now rests on introductions which have been made in 

 Kent, Northampton, Bedford, Yorkshire, and other places 

 where it has more or less established itself as a breeding 

 species, and is slowly extending its range from at least 

 one of these centres. It is a small species, living chiefly 

 on insects and mice, and is generally found in well-wooded 

 country, where it may be often seen sitting on a dead tree 

 or post, sunning itself, for it is largely diurnal in its habits. 



The plumage above is a warm brown spotted with white ; 

 under parts white striped with brown. The female is rather 

 larger than the male. Length about 9 in. ; wing 6 in. 



In this species the feathers on the legs and toes are 

 quite short, being little more than bristles on the latter, a 

 point by which it may be easily distinguished from the 

 preceding species. 



195 



