Descriptive List of the Common Birds 
walls of bungalows. This is the only owl which 
can be classed as a familiar bird. Three other 
species, however, are often seen, namely 
(Illus. B. D., p. 2565; also B. P., p. 94, and 
B. B., p. 29): 
136. Strix flammea: The Barn Owl or 
Screech Owl. (F. 1152), (J. 60), (IV.) 
This is a reddish-brown bird barred with 
narrow white and black bars. It has a long 
heart-shaped face, which is white. 
It is very nocturnal in its habits; when it 
does get abroad in the daytime it is promptly 
mobbed by the crows. Its cry is a weird screech, 
and it is regarded by the people as a bird of 
evil omen. 
137. Asio accipitrinus: ‘The Short-eared 
Owl. (F. 1157), (J. 68), (+IV.) 
A large buff bird barred all over with dark 
brown. It lies up during the day in grass, and 
is often flushed by sportsmen. Sometimes 
three or four are flushed together. It is a 
winter visitor to India. 
138. Scops gin: The Scops Owl. (F. 1173), 
J. 74), (+1) 
This may be distinguished from the spotted 
owlet by the fact that it possesses “ horns ” 
or ear-tufts. Like most other owls it is heard 
175 
