HOENLESS OWLS. 555 



the house by the same right as the owl, was cordially hated by it. 

 It showed much irritation at the sight of other birds, even if they 

 were only stuffed ones ; and when able to obtain possession of them, 

 carried them into a corner, and plucked off their feathers at leisure. 

 It also delighted in rolling in the dust. 



Another diminutive species, Tengmalm's Owl {Nyctaie funered), 

 inhabits the northern part of the two continents, and sometimes 

 ventures as far south as Germany. Its plumage, which is ash- 

 coloured above, below the chest is dazzling white, marked with 

 spots. It has a white stripe round the front of its neck. 



The Pampas Sparrow Owl is found in South America, and is no 

 bigger than a Thrush. This bird, though so small, has strongly- 

 developed bloodthirsty instincts ; for it slips under the wings of 

 poultry, and kills them by tearing open their sides. 



Buffon classes with this species a variety which inhabits the 

 Cape of Good Hope, and is endowed with magnificent plumage, 

 red and black partly mixed with grey. The colonists tame it, and 

 use it to keep their houses clear of mice. 



The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) derives its name from 

 the place in which it makes its nest. This bird is about the size 

 of a pigeon, and frequents the immense plains or pampas of South 

 America and the prairies of North America. However, it does 

 not itself dig the burrows, but simply takes possession of those 

 belonging to the prairie dog, with which it lives on the most ami- 

 cable terms. 



Burrowing Owls are not solely nocturnal, for they love the light 

 of day, and seek their food even when the sun is vertical. It is 

 a curious circumstance, this bird living in association with beings 

 with which it has no natural tie. Captain Francis Head, an 

 English traveller, gives the following description of such a com- 

 monwealth : — 



" Towards the evening the prairie dogs keep outside their bur- 

 rows, with a serious look on their faces, like grave and reflective 

 philosophers or moralists. During the day the entrance to their 

 subterranean burrow is guarded by two owls, which never quit their 

 post. While the travellers were galloping over the plain the owls 

 continued their duty as sentries, looking them full in the face, and 

 one after the other shaking their venerable heads in a way which 

 was most ludicrous on account of its solemnity. When the horsemen 

 came near them the two sentinels lost much of their dignified look, 

 and darted hurriedly into the burrows/' 



This Owl feeds on mice, reptiles, and insects, . It is gentle, and 



