Mr Dalgleish on Lirds and Eggs from Paraguay. 83 



■f^ inch, and the smallest -J^ by 4'-^- inch. They are of a 

 dull white colour, and more rounded than those of the last 

 species. 



The nest is placed in a similar position to tliat of the last 

 species, and is also devoid of lining. 



15. Buho virginianus (Gm.). Great Horned Owl. Local 

 name Nacurutii {Nacuriitit. Azara). — This fine owl, known 

 to American naturalists under the subspecific name of B. 

 virgmianus var. magellanicus, has latterly been considered 

 by British ornithologists as identical with the form prevail- 

 ing throughout North America, and is generally distributed 

 throughout both continents, from the Arctic circle to Cape 

 Horn. Throughout so extensive an area it naturally varies 

 a good deal in colouring, but the races thus developed must 

 all be referred to one species, as in habits they do not vary. 

 One of the most notable peculiarities of this bird is its cry, 

 which partakes of shrieks and barks of the most unearthly 

 nature, and which have always inspired the aborigines, 

 where it is a denizen, with superstitious fears. In Paraguay 

 it lives alike on birds, mice, rats, and snakes. In Xortli 

 America it is particularly destructive to poultry, its depre- 

 dations, like that of the fox, being of course at night. It 

 lays from two to six eggs. 



Clutch of two eggs taken on 15th October 1887. They 

 measure 2/^- by If^ and 2-g\ by 1|^ inches respectively, 

 and, like tliose of owls in general, of a dull, white colour, 

 and rounded in form. 



The nest, which was placed at the top of a high tree, was 

 of large size, formed of sticks and lined with grass. 



16. Asturina jpucherani, Scl. and Salv. Local name 

 Alcon. — This hawk is found in Bolivia, the Arsrentine Re- 

 public, and Paraguay. It is usually seen when sitting- 

 motionless on the tops of high trees. Its flight is heavy and 

 flapping, partaking of that of the buzzard rather than the 

 falcon. It is sluggish and fond of seclusion. Barrow states 

 its partiality for the sides of streams, and that it feeds 

 largely if not exclusively upon fish. It is also known to 

 prey upon serpents, and in Paraguay, at all events, upon 

 mice and small birds. 



