208 journal, r.a.s. (ceylon). [Vol. IL, Part II. 



NOCTURNI. 

 Family Strigid^e. 

 Genus Scops, Savingy. 

 19— S. Lempigi (PI CoL, 99> 

 f$YN.—8trix Lempigiy Hors. ; Scops Javanicus, Less.; 

 Punchy bassa, Sin. (literally " Small owl," the name bassa 

 being common to all the owls, and even including the 

 Caprimuljidce) ; Nattu, Mai. ; Koorooi, Port. 



The Ceylon variety of this bird (the S. Lempigi, 

 Jerdon) is common throughout the maritime districts, 

 though periodical in its appearance. During moonlight 

 nights they hunt in pairs for Coleoptera and Phalcence about 

 umbrageous trees, uttering their monotonous and melan- 

 choly " wagh wagk" when at rest, and a quick tremulous 

 cry when flying. The natives say they build in hollow trees, 

 never in buildings. 



Genus Ketupa, Less. 

 20. — K. Ceylonensis. 

 Syn. — S. Lesckenaulti, Tern. ; Loku Bassa and Bakamund, 



Sin. ; Umattan-kukai, Mai. ; Bacamuna, Port. 

 These large owls are common and apparently widely dis- 

 tributed, being found in Colombo, Puttalam, and Jaffna. 

 The natives tell me they feed much on fish, which they catch 

 by moonlight. A pair I kept alive for some time fed on fish 

 with avidity. When alarmed they uttered a hissing note, 

 ending in a deep growl, bulging out the throat. The natives 

 report that they build in hollow trees and clefts of rocks, 

 laying two large white eggs. 



Sub-Family Athenin^e. 

 Genus Ninox, Hodgson. 

 21. — K Scutulatus (PL CoL, 289). 

 Syn. — Strix Scutulata, Raffles; S. Hirsuta, Tern,; N. 



JSialensis, Hodgson. 

 Found but rarely in the interior of the Island. I know 

 nothing of its habits, never having seen it alive. 



