86 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



IIab. Whole of eastern Soiilli Aiiu'ri(.'a, and Miilille America (bolli coasts) north into 

 southern border of United States (Arizona, Bkndikk; probalily entire southern border). 



The numerous sijecimens exfiiiiine I come from tlio J!io Grande of Texas 

 (across the whole breadtli of Alitkllo America) to Paraguay, everywhere tlie 

 same species, those from the extremes of its range showing scarcely any dif- 

 ference. 



A specimen of the ferruginous plumage, in the collection of the Phila- 

 delphia Academy, is remariialile for the great intensity and uniformity of 

 the rufous ; the entire i)liunage, in fact, being of this color, a fine light tint 

 of which replaces the white below. There is no trace of bars on either wings 

 or tail. 



In the very large series before me I find in individuals every possible 

 shade between the two extremes described. Over fifty specimens have 

 come under my notice. 



Habits. This little Owl claims a place in our fauna on the strength of 

 several specimens taken in Southern Arizona by Captain IJendire. It is 

 a southern bird, found throughout the whole of Mexico, and ranges tlience 

 though the whole of South America, except the Pacific coast, as far south as 

 Southern lirazil. In Mexico it is as abundant on the Pacific as on the 

 eastern coast, and is by I'ar the most common Owl of its genus found in 

 that country. 



Mr. E. C. Taylor states that he found this bird pretty common in Trini- 

 dad, where it is said to fly about in the daytime, apparently iiidin'erent to 

 the blazing tropical sun, and is much smaller than any other species of 

 Owl he met with. 



Genus MICRATHENE, Coles. 



Micrathcnc, C'orE.s, P. A. X. .S. Philad. 1800, 57. (T.v|h', Atlicne iL-hitneyi, Coopeu.) 



Ges. Ciiak. Size very small (the smallest Owl known) ; head small, and without ear- 

 tufts. Bill and feet weak. Tail short, less than half the winjr, even. Nostril small, 



circular, ojicuiui!; in the 

 middle of the much in- 

 flated ceral membrane. 

 Tarsus a little loniier 

 tlian the middle toe, 

 naked, scantily haired, as 

 are also the toi.s. I'our 

 outer quills with their 

 inner webs sinuated ; 

 fourth longest. Ear- 

 iris yellow. 



Mirrn/ t'v ifhitnft/i. 



conch very small, simple, roundish. Bill pale greenish ; 



This well-marked genus is represented by a single species, found in the 

 Colorado region of the United States, and in Western Mexico. It is the 



