369 



In habits the present species closely assimilates to Athene noctua, and, so far as I can 

 ascertain, there is no appreciable difference between them in this respect. Its note, which is 

 less frequently heard at night or during the twilight than in the daytime, is also similar to that 

 of the Little Owl. 



It feeds on mice, lizards, small birds, and especially on insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, 

 &c.,with which it usually feeds its young. It breeds in similar localities to Athene noctua; and 

 its eggs closely resemble those of that species. 



Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., referring to the habits of the present species as observed by him in 

 Algeria, writes (Ibis, 1871, p. 73) as follows: — "These day-Owls sit openly exposed amongst 

 rocks in the high and shelving banks of the Chalif ; when frightened they take refuge in crevices, 

 whence it is almost impossible to dislodge them. Their power of crouching aids them in squeezing 

 into small holes, and creeping through narrow apertures. At Guelt-el-Stel and Laghouat their 

 hooting was heard every evening almost before the sun went down. I cannot say whether they 

 keep up their doleful melody all the night ; but I used to hear them again at daybreak." 



The specimen figured is the bird above described, and is in my own collection. 



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



E Mus. H. E. Dresser. 



a. Bizerta, Algeria, February 1858 (P. L. Sclater). b,2- Benisouef, January 18th, 1862 {Cochrane), c. 

 Southern Persia (W. T. Blanford). 



E Mus. H. B. Tristram. 



a, d . El Mariar, Algeria, January 15th, 1857 (H. B. T.). b, $ . El Bussah, Palestine, December 5th, 1863. 

 c, d . Forest of Bashan, March 12th, 1864 {H. B. T.). 



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