7, VERTEBKATA. 





IHK SCOPS-EAEED OWL. 



the window as frequently to deprive it, seemingly, of all sensation for several minutes ; this was 

 done so repeatedly that I began to fear that either the glass or the owl's skull must give way. 

 In a few days, however, it either began to comprehend something of tlie matter, or to take dis- 

 gust at the glass, for it never repeated its attempts, and soon became quite tame and familiar. 

 Those who have seen this bird only in the day can form but an imperfect idea of its activity, and 

 even sprightliness, in its proper season of exercise. Throughout the day it was all stillness and 

 gravity — its eyelids half shut, its neck contracted, and its head shrunk, seemingly, into its body ; 

 but scarcely was the sun set, and twilight began to approach, when its eyes became full and spark- 

 ling, like two living globes of fire ; it crouched on its perch, reconnoitered every object around 

 with looks of eager fierceness ; alighted and fed ; stood on the meat with clenched talons, while 

 it tore it in morsels with its bill ; flew round the room with the silence of thought, and percliing, 

 moaned out its melancholy notes, with many lively gesticulations, not at all accordant with the 

 pitiful tone of its ditty, which reminded one of the shivering meanings of a half-frozen puppy. 

 This species is found generally over the United States, and is not migratory." 



The Western Mottled Owl, S. McCallii^ according to Cassin is a newly observed species, 

 seven and a half inches long, found in Texas and Northern Mexico. It resembles the preceding, 

 but is smaller. 



Genus ASCALAPHIA : Ascalaphia. — This includes the Great Short-eared Owl of Europe, 

 Strix Ascalaphus of Vieillot ; its length is fourteen inches ; its plumage of a whitish-red of va- 

 rious shades, with tints and rays of a brownish-black ; on the wings and beneath the body it is 

 marked with large zigzag bands and blotches of the same colors, finely baiTed on the general 

 ground. Its range is from Italy to Egypt, being common in the latter country. Its generic as 

 well as specific name is derived from the mythological story of the unhappy youth who saw Pros- 

 erpine eat some portion of a pomegranate, and testifying to the fact, doomed her to a perpetual 

 exile in the infernal regions ; in return, the vengeful queen transformed him into an owl. 



Genus CICCABA : Ciccaha. — This includes the Huhul, C. huhula of Wagler, and Strix lineaia 

 of Shaw, a beautiful species, found in Guiana, where it is called the Dai/ Oivl. 



Genus PIIODILUS : Phodilus. — This term signifies Afraid of the liffht, and characterizes the 

 typical species, the Kalong Owl, F. hadius — Strix badia of Ilorsfield, found in Java. 



Genus EPHIALTES : Ephialtes, includes the White-cheeked Owl, E. leucotis of C. Bona- 

 parte, found in Senegal. 



Genus NYCTAETUS : Nyctaetus, includes the Milk Owl, N. lacteus,oi the size of the eagle- 

 owl, and found in Senegal. 



Genus KETUPU : Ketupa. — This term means Night-Eagle, and is applied to the species, Blo- 

 Ketupu, its popular name in Java, where it is found. It is the K. Javanensis of Lesson, and 

 Strix ketupa of Horsfield. 



