ORDER ACCIPITRES. 259 



of this particular species, the excavation, as well as the nest 

 formed therein, was made by the bird itself. That the bird, when 

 she has selected a burrow in which to make hernest, may clear 

 it of superfluous matter, or even in some degree enlarge it, 

 seems not improbable ; but it certainly demands proof of the 

 fact, rather than presumption, to warrant the conclusion that 

 she actually makes the hole. 



The Little Owl of the English writers, (Cheveche or Petite 

 Chouette of Buffon, pi. en. 439,) is about seven or eight inches 

 in length ; the head, back, arid wings are of an olive brown 

 colour; underneath it is white spotted with brown, and there is 

 a circle of white feathers tipped with black round the face. 



This species inhabits France, but is by no means common, 

 and has been seen, though very rarely, in England. It is an 

 inhabitant of deserted buildings, rather than of the woods, and 

 is said to lay five yellow eggs, spotted with white. Its sight 

 seems nearly perfect in the day time, as it is then seen to chase, 

 but seldom to catch, small birds, preying principally, like its 

 congeners, on mice and other small quadrupeds ; in devouring 

 its prey, it is observed not to swallow the animal whole, like 

 others of the genus, but to tear off the flesh and reject the rest. 



It is said, also, to inhabit Gibraltar, Russia, and India ; but, 

 so much uncertainty still prevails as to the specific identity of 

 this with various other small owls that have been mentioned, 

 that it is difficult to come to any conclusion on the subject of 

 its habitat. 



In conclusion of these brief observations on a few select 

 species of this genus, we have to regret that, in no branch of 

 zoology, does there appear to be more confusion and uncer- 

 tainty than in this very limited, but well defined group of the 

 nocturnal birds of prey. It would be no difficult task to pre- 

 sent in detail the labours of practical ornithologists on the 

 species of the owl ; but these labours have been unfortunately 

 almost confined to the nomenclature ; and the result of them 

 has by no means satisfactorily established the number of real 



