SCOPS ASIO : SCREECH OWL ; RED OR MOTTLED OWL. 89 



SCREECH OWL: RED OR MOTTLED OWL. 

 Scops asio (Z.) Bp. 



Chars. A miniature Bubo in form, with equally conspicuous ear- 

 tufts, feathered legs and bristly toes. The plumage differs so 

 remarkably (and not according to age, sex, or season), that the 

 " red," and " gray " or " mottled " Owl were long supposed to be 

 two distinct species. In the gray plumage, the bird is gray, 

 paler or whitish below, speckled with blackish above, and below 

 blotched with the same. In the other condition, the general tone 

 is bright brownish-red above, with sharp black streaks ; below, 

 whitish or fulvous, much variegated. In either state, the wings 

 and tail are barred with light and dark colors. Length, 8.00- 

 10.00 inches ; extent, about 20.00 ; wing, 6.50-7.00 ; tail, 

 3.00-3.50. 



Fig. 17. — Screech Owl, 



