62 
U. S. P R. R EXP AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT 
GrLATJCIDIUM GNOMA, Wagler. 
The Pigmy Owl. 
Glaucidium gnoma, Wagler, Isis, XXV, p. 275, (1832.) 
" Strix jmsserinoid.es, Temm ," Aud. Orn. Biog. V, p. 271. 
" Strix infuscata, Temm.," Cassin, B. of Cal. & Texas, I, p. 189. 
Glaucidium Californicum, Sclater, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1857, p. 4. 
Figures.— Aud. B. of Am., pi. 432, figs. 4, 5: octavo edition, I, pi. 30. 
The smallest owl known to inhabit North America. Wing rather short ; fourth quill longest ; tail rather long ; tarsi densely 
feathered ; toes partially covered with hairs. Spot before the eye, and extending over it, white. Entire upper parts brownish 
olive, with small circular spots of dull white or pale rufous numerous on the headj and largest on the scapulars. An irregular 
and partially concealed band of white on the neck behind, succeeded by another of black. Throat white ; a band of brownish 
olive across the neck and breast ; other under parts white, with longitudinal stripes of dark olive brown ; quills dark brown, 
with small spots of dull white on their outer webs, and large circular or oval spots of white on their inner webs ; tail dark 
brown, with about six or seven pairs of circular or oval spots of white on every feather ; larger on the inner webs. Under wing 
coverts white, with black spots disposed to form a longitudinal or oblique stripe; bill light greenish yellow ; claws light horn 
color ; irides yellow. Sexes nearly alike ; female with rather larger and more numerous spots of white on the upper parts. 
Dimensions. — Female, total length about 7 inches ; wing 3| ; tail 3 inches. Male, total length about 6| inches ; wing 3j ; 
tail 2| inches. 
Hab.-— Oregon, California, Mexico. Spec, in Nat Mus. Washington, and Acad. Sci. Philadelphia. 
All the specimens of this rare and curious little owl are from Oregon and Washington Terri- 
tories, and it does not appear to have been noticed in California by either of the surveying 
parties. It has, however, previously been obtained in that State, and is also very probably an 
inhabitant of Mexico. 
In our synopsis of North American owls, (in Birds of California and Texas, I, p. 175,) 
we have noticed this bird, under the name of Glaucidium infuscatum, regarding it as the Strix 
infuscata, Temminck. At the suggestion of Mr. Philip Lutley Sclater, a distinguished orni- 
thologist, of London, who alludes to this species in Proceedinga of the Zoological Society of 
London, 1857, p. 4, we find his conclusion quite correct, that the two names Strix infuscata and 
Strix passerinoides were applied by Temminck to the same species, which is South American. 
The name given by Wagler, however, we regard as undoubtedly applicable to this bird, and 
give it accordingly as Glaucidium gnoma, (Wagler,) which had previously cited as a synonyme 
in our synojjsis alluded to above. 
This species very much resembles the South American owl, above alluded to. It appears to 
be, however, lighter colored, and, perhaps, rather smaller. In the present bird the spots on the 
upper parts of the plumage are smaller and more inclined to be circular, and a black stripe is 
quite distinct on the under coverts of the wing, which we have found but very obscurely indi- 
cated in either of numerous specimens of G. infuscatum, (or G. passerinoides,) now before us. 
For the present, we regard the northern and the southern as distinct, but nearly related, species. 
This little owl appears to be exclusively western and southern. 
List of specimens. 
& 
Wlien collected. 
Whence obtained. 
S5 
Collected by— 
Measurements. 
Remarks. 
Locality. 
Catal 
6 
Lengt 
Exter 
Wing 
4395 
$ 
Fort Steilacoom, W. T. .. 
Dr. Geo. Suekley... 
5855 
Q 
9 
530 
111 
7.50 
14.00 
3.80 
yio-3 
Shoalwater Bay 
7.50 
14.00 
Iris yellow; bill and 
feet pale yellow.... 
4515 
S 
So 
Cascade mountains, Or. . . 
Lt. R. S. Williamson 
Dr. J. S. Newberry. 
8002 
34 
