STRIX CASTANOPS. 



(Ohestnut-faced Owl.) 



Eacial disk, reddish buff, or chestnut, encircled with black ; upper surface, wings, and tail, rufous brown, each feather barred with darker 

 brown ; under surface and legs, biifSsh brown ; head and shoulders, minutely spotted with white ; sides of the neck, chest, and flanks, spotted 

 with deep brown ; bill, yellowish horn color ; feet, yellow ; irides, deep brown. 



Length, 18 inches ; wing, 15 ; tail, 7 ; bill, 2i ; tarsus. 3^. 



This large and powerful species is a denizen of the southern portions of Queensland, also of New South Wales and Tasmania. 

 It varies much in color, the above description being of most usual occurrence. Some specimens are much lighter, and have the facial disk 

 and under surface white 5 the characteristic markings and spots, however, occur in all. Like the other members of the genus Strix, tbe male 

 is smaller than the female. The present species, which is one of the most formidable of the Australian rapaces, is generally to be found in 

 thinly timbered country, near swamps, the borders of scrubs, etc. ; during the day it lies concealed in the hollows of trees and other suitable 

 situations, coming forth in the evening to search for its prey, which consists of the various descriptions of small nocturnal mammalia which 

 are so abundant at that time. 



