267 



which has been met with in that part of Africa is in all probability Asio abyssinicus, Guer., 

 which they consider specifically distinct, as it has conspicuous white spots at the ends of the 

 upper wing-coverts, and six or seven narrow dark bands on the tail. On the east side of the 

 African continent it is recorded by Dr. Kirk from the Zambesi, where it is, he says (Ibis, 1864, 

 p. 317), a common species, frequenting the clumps of trees bordering the valley, over the grass- 

 plains near which it hunts during the dusk of the evening in search of small animals. It is also 

 found in Madagascar; and Mr. E. B. Sharpe remarks (Cat. of Strig. in Brit. Mus. p. 241) that he 

 has examined a specimen from there, and finds that it is specifically identical with the African 

 bird. With regard to its occurrence in South Africa, Mr. E. L. Layard says (B. S. Afr. p. 43), 

 that it is " rare in South Africa, and only found in marshy places, and is usually gregarious. It 

 conceals itself during the day amongst long grass, or reeds, &c, and preys on water-insects, mice, 

 and lizards." He adds that it must be very scarce, as he himself never observed it in any part of 

 the colony. But subsequent to writing this he obtained it; for he writes (Ibis, 1869, p. 71) as 

 follows : — " I met with several of these Owls at Naghtwaght, the residence of Mr. Alexander 

 Van der Byl, near L'Agulhas ; they inhabited a dry vley, their colour resembling exactly that of 

 the dead grass and rushes." Mr. J. H. Gurney states that he has received it from Natal through 

 Mr. Ayres; and Mr. T. E. Buckley writes (Ibis, 1874, p. 361) that it is "quite the commonest 

 Owl in Natal and the Transvaal. Like our own Short-eared Owl, this species, when disturbed 

 during the daytime, flies well; but it is not until just about dark that it comes forth of its own 

 accord. Almost any evening it might be seen hunting over ground intersected by a 'spruit;' 

 this it seems to prefer to marshy ground. I never heard it utter any cry. Its flight resembles 

 that of the common Short-eared Owl. This species was not observed north of Pretoria." On 

 the west coast of Africa it is recorded from Angola by Mr. J. J. Monteiro, who states (Ibis, 1862, 

 p. 336) that it is very abundant on the Mucozo river, a tributary of the Quanza, in Cambambe ; 

 and Mr. Andersson sent several examples in his last collection from Damara Land, one of which 

 was marked as having been obtained in Ondonga, Ovampo Land. 



In habits the present species closely resembles the Short-eared Owl, and, like that bird, is, 

 as above stated, often met with in damp marshy places, collected in parties or small flocks; but 

 beyond the data above given, I find no particulars recorded respecting its habits or nidification. 

 Favier states that it interbreeds with the Short-eared Owl, producing hybrids which only differ 

 in having the front of the facial disk, the throat, and tarsi whitish, while the irides are half 

 yellow ; but I agree with Colonel Irby in doubting this statement, which appears to be based 

 merely on information furnished to Favier by the Arab chasseurs. 



The specimen figured is the adult male from Natal above described. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. H. E. Dresser. 



a. Tangier (Olcese). b, <5 . Natal (Ayres). 



E Mus. H. B. Tristram. 



a, J . Ondonga, October 10th, 1867 (C. J. Andersson). b, d. Potchefstroom, Transvaal, S. Africa, April 1870, 

 shot off nest containing three eggs (T. Ayres) . 



