30 MR. GAMBEL ON THE BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA. 



mice and other small animals for subsistence. Its nesting place is under the tiled roofs 

 of the houses of the towns, numbers under one roof, and shows but little fear when 

 approached. I have scarcely ever visited a Mission without disturbing some of these 

 birds, which were roosting about the altar, chandelier, &c., of the chapel, and hearing 

 the bendition of the Padre for drinking all the oil out of the lamps. Kvery where in 

 California, when speaking of it, we are sure to be told of its propensity for drinking 

 the sacred oil; a trait which has also been noticed in the European species. 



The specimens which I have examined agree in every respect with those from this 

 side of the continent, and present the constant characters of larger size, and greater 

 length of wings and tarsi, which at once distinguish it from the European species. 



ATHENE, Boie. 

 18. A. sociALis, Gamb.. Burrowing Owl. Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sci., Vol. II., p. 74. 

 Strix cunicularia, Bonap., Aud., Nutt. 



This bird, which hitherto has been considered the same throughout the wide range 

 of North and South America, may, perhaps, be separated on as good grounds as 

 many of the owls which are generally admitted to be distinct. It is unnecessary to 

 repeat here the excellent descriptions which have been given by Bonaparte and 

 Audubon of North American specimens of the burrowing owl. I shall merely state 

 wherein I think ours differs from the South American. 



It seems to differ in the general colour,, being lighter incur species: with the 

 markings and quills usually of a pale yellowish or cinnamon hue, while in tlie other 

 it is much deeper and approaching dusky. 



The most marked difference exists in the feet and legs, which are in ours slender 

 and delicate, while in the other they are longer and much stouter. 



The wings are shorter, and have the first and fifth quills equal; if any thing, the 

 first longest ; in the South American the fifth quill is considerably longer than the 

 first. 



I have not yet been able to institute a satisfactory comparison between these species, 

 but in those I have compared, the great difference in the proportions of the wings 

 and tarsi, seems to indicate specific distinctions ; that of colour is but of little value, 

 without extended comparison of all ages and sexes. 



The Prince de Wied, in his Beitrage zur Naturgeschichte von Brazilien, says that 

 he is satisfied that the North and South American Burrowing Owls are distinct 

 species, but judges alone, I believe, from plates and descriptions. The Coquimbo 

 burrowing owl of Brisson is evidently distinct from either, being much larger, and 

 having the tail of a dirty white colour without spots. 



I have seen this bird in various parts of Mexico, in the Rocky Mountains, and 

 California; in each place presenting but little difference in its habits. It always 



