RAPTORES. 113 



common and tame, but a great annoyer of the day-slumbers of this 

 little owl." 



In Dr. Pickering's journal we find mentioned : 



" The note of this little species is somewhat like that of the yellow- 

 billed cuckoo of the United States, but louder. It came occasionally 

 about the houses in the evening, perching on the fences and outhouses. 

 It was well known to the natives, and a specimen sliot by one of our 

 party, in the presence of some native men, was immediately begged 

 for eating." 



This Owl, though a well-marked and peculiar species, shows affini- 

 ties to that group of the genus Athene inhabiting the continent of Asia 

 and its islands. It is not so intimately allied to those of Australia. 



29 



