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GENUS SPILOGLAUX (Kaup). 



fPjHE two species of this genus are chiefly nocturnal in habits, but also, sometimes fly about in 

 J- the daytime. 



SPILOGLAUX BOOBOOK 



BOOBOOK OWL. 



EVERY part of Australia is inhabited by this owl, which is also found, though to a much smaller 

 extent, in Tasmania. 



It usually sleeps in the daytime, and goes forth at night to obtain its food. Sometimes, 

 however, it is seen during the day, in pursuit of insects and small birds, which its swiftness enables 

 it to capture easily. 



The cry, which is uttered only during the night, resembles the sound of the word " Buck- 

 buck," from which " Boobook " is evidently derived. 



During the months of November and December, three pure white eggs are laid in a hole in 

 the trunk of a gum tree. In length they are one inch and seven lines, and in breadth one inch 

 and four lines. 



The fore part of the facial disc is greyish- white ; the hinder part and ear-covert», dark brown ; 

 the head, and upper surface, wings, and tail, brown ; the fore part of the head, and the margins of 

 the scapularies and wing-feathers being reddish-brown ; chest, and centre of abdomen, light rufous ; 

 lower part of abdomen, white, the whole of the under surface being marked with reddish-brown ; 

 hides, yellowish-brown ; bill, black ; feet, yellow. 



Habitats : The whole of Australia, and parts of Tasmania. 



SPILOGLAUX MACULATUS. 



SPOTTED OWL. 



UNLIKE the preceding species, the Spotted Owl is most abundant in Tasmania, and is but sparingly 

 distributed over the mainland. 



It is usually found in thick forests and brushes, generally spending the day in slumber, but 

 sometimes sallying forth for food. During the night it becomes very active, and captures great numbers 

 of small birds, locusts, and other insects. 



