OWLS 



63 



we have invariably found the bird haunting the " bush " 

 and not the grass of the veld, so its vernacular name does 

 not seem to be quite appropriate. It is, however, stated in 

 " Stark and Sclater " to be commonly found amongst the 

 grass and reeds bordering streams and marshes. 



Rg. 30.— White-faced Owls. 



The Marsh Owl {Asio capensis) is the first of the " eared " 

 owls. It is dark brown above and paler below, marbled 

 with pale brown above and mottled with white on the lower 

 breast. Length, 14| to 15 inches. 



It is found in the long grass growing on the banks of 

 spruits or rivers, and in marshes, where it usually consorts 

 in parties of from three to six individuals. We have found 



