DUSKY EARED-OWL. 19 



it, but flies off. I have seen one descend upon a 

 flock of Tinkling Grakles, causing the whole body 

 to curve downward in their flight, and alight on a 

 neighbouring tree. But it is said to feed, in lack 

 of better prey, upon beetles and dragon-flies. 



This species, which is a summer visitant of the 

 United States, is a permanent resident in Jamaica ; 

 but I know nothing of its nest. 



In addition to the Falconidae already mentioned, 

 the following species have occurred in Jamaica to 

 the observation of Mr. Hill : 



The Eagle-hawk (Morphnus urubitinga. Cuv.) 

 The Fish Hawk (Pandion Carolinensis. BON.) 

 The Fork-tailed Kite (Nauclerus furcatus. 



FAM. STRIGID^. (The Owls.) 



DUSKY EARED-OWL.* 

 Ephialtes grammicus. MIHI. 



I have not been able to find any published de- 

 scription of this well-marked Owl. In the MSS. of 



* Length 14 inches, expanse 31, tail 4-^, flexure 9^, rictus 1^, tarsus 

 2, middle toe 1^, claw ^. 



Irides hazel ; pupils very large, blue ; beak pale blue-grey ; feet dull 

 lead colour ; claws horny grey ; cere blackish-grey. General plumage 

 above dusky brown, becoming on the head and under parts, umber : each 

 feather marked with a medial band of blackish hue, and several un- 

 dulated transverse bars of the same. Egrets of about ten feathers, form- 



