330 Mr. H. E. Dresser on the Birds of Southern Texas. 



In fresh-killed specimens the bill is bluish, cere yellow, iris 

 brown, and legs yellow. 



Strix pratincola (Bonap.). American Barn-Ovvl. 

 I have a single specimen of this bird, which was sent in to Dr. 

 Heermann as a great rarity. 



Bubo virginianus (Gmelin) . Virginian Eagle-Owl. 



Common throughout the country, breeding in most of the 

 heavily- wooded river-bottoms, building an open nest, generally 

 placed on an oak by the river-side. 



Scops maccalli, Cassin. Western Mottled Owl. 



I shot a couple of small Owls, one near the town of San An- 

 tonio and the other at Galligher^s Rancho, Bandera county, which 

 Dr. Heermann pronounced to be Scops maccalli. I was, however, 

 rather doubtful about them, and am sorrynot to find them amongst 

 the skins that I have succeeded in bringing home in safety. 



Brachyotus cassini. Brewer. American Short-eared Owl. 

 [Common at times near San Antonio during the winter 

 months, keeping itself in the tall weeds and grass. — A. L. H.] 



Syrnium nebulosum (Forster). Barred Owl. 



Very abundant, at all seasons of the year, in the wooded parts 

 of the country. I did not find any nest, but was told by the 

 hunters that they build in a hollow tree in the dense woods near 

 the river. 



Athene HYPOGiEA (Bonap.). Prairie-Owl. 



This bird I noticed at all seasons in the prairie-country. 

 Near the Rio Leon and Medina they are not uncommon, and in 

 one place had taken possession of some deserted rat-holes. 



I shot several specimens near San Antonio and at Eagle Pass, 

 at which latter place I found them quite common on the sand- 

 plains near the town. In specimens I shot, the legs were greenish 

 grey ; iris bright yellow ; beak dull greenish, with yellow tip ; 

 and stomach containing coleopterous insects and field-mice. 



Nyctea nivea (Gray). Snowy Owl. 



[A single specimen was shot near San Antonio, three years 

 before the war. — A. L. H.] 



[To be continued.] 



