Ordo Raprores. 
Fam. STricip”. 
Genus Orwus, Cuv. 
Tas. III. 
OTUS BENGALENSIS. 
Ot. pallide rufescens, fusco alboque undulatim variegatus ; nuchie pectorisque plumis in medio strigd 
laté brunneo-nigra notatis ; abdomine fusco graciliter fasciato ; remigibus rectricthusque 
lateralibus prope apicem brunneo fasciatis, his medus per totam longitudinem similiter 
notatis. 
Longitudo corporis, 1 ped. 8 unc.; ale, 1 ped. ; caude, 6+ une. ; tarsi, 4. 
Tue first notice of this remarkable bird is in the ‘‘ General History of Birds” of Dr. Latham, who seems 
inclined to consider it a variety of the great Eagle Ov rather than as a distinct species. The fine collection 
of Birds brought from India by Major Franklin of the Hon. KE. I. C. S., contained a specimen of this species 
which he considered as possessing characters sufficient to warrant its being separated as a new species, an 
opinion with which a repeated and minute examination of several specimens leads us to coincide. The range 
of this fine Ow/ appears to be very extensive, being generally and rather abundantly found over the whole of 
the low lands of India, as well as in the elevated range of the Himalayan Mountains, whence the present 
specimen was received. ‘The very valuable MS., abounding in accurate and judicious remarks from personal 
observation, which has been placed at our disposal by the kindness of its author, the Hon. F. J. Shore, gives 
the following particulars. ‘‘ Killed in the Doon; builds in trees, the nest bemg composed of large and small 
sticks ; the female laying two large eggs mottled with black reddish-brown and white. Its native name in the 
Doon, is Hokra* Cheel; the natives considering it among the Cheel or Kite genus, and affirming that it is 
strong enough, and does in fact attack and kill wild cats.” 
The zzdes of this bird are represented in Mr. Shore’s Drawings of a yellow colour, and they are described 
by Col. Sykes + as having the “‘ external margin dark orange, gradually changing to yellow at the internal 
margin.” It may be observed that the species of Owls which have a bright zis, such as our short-eared 
and Scops Ouwds, are diurnal in their habits; and the observation may be extended to the present species. 
Col. Sykes states that he has at all times seen the species in full activity by day; so much so that he has 
on several occasions chased them unsuccessfully at that time ; a circumstance which rarely happens among 
the nocturnal species. The name Cheel or Kite, originally applied to a bird which preys by day, when 
applied to the present species may probably refer to its diurnal habits. 
Col. Sykes states in addition, that the favourite haunts of these birds are extensive plains, where they may 
be generally seen seated on large stones. At other times however, but rarely, he has observed them in glens 
and more secluded places. Their favourite food, he adds, is rats; but he has met, at times, with crustacea 
and birds in their stomachs. ‘Their Mahrattee name is Goobur. 
* Hokra is the name of a district in the Himalayan range. + Proceed. of Zool. Soc. Part II. p. 81. 
