Indian Birds 
The Owls, 13 5-139 
Owls form a well-marked natural order It 
is easy enough to recognise an owl when one 
sees one, but not easy to say to what species 
it belongs, because all owls bear a strong re- 
semblance to one another—all are of much 
the same colour—reddish brown with darker 
bars or drops. Moreover, they are all crea- 
tures of the night, so, save with one exception, 
are not much en evidence in the daytime. This 
exception is that little clown, the spotted owlet. 
135. Athene brama: ‘The Spotted Owlet. 
(F. 1180), (J. 76), (IT.) 
A small owl; upper plumage earthy brown 
or grey in colour, copiously spotted and barred 
with white. Lower plumage white with dark 
brown spots and cross bars. 
It comes out long before sunset and pours 
forth a volley of chuckles and squeaks; two 
of these individuals often shouting at once. 
When it catches sight of a human being it 
stares at him with its bright golden orbs and, 
as Eha observes, bows with sarcastic effect. 
No one who has dwelt any length of time in 
India can fail to have remarked this very noisy 
little owl. It nests in holes of trees or in the 
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