1 7 2 
Nehrling on Birds of Southeastern Texas . 
sticks, fragments of leaves, Spanish moss and a few grass-stems lined with 
the leaves of the loblolly pine ( Pinus tceda). It contained two eggs, 
one somewhat advanced in incubation, the other quite fresh. I think two 
broods are, in many cases, reared each season. 
124. Coccyzus eTythrophthalmus Bd. Black-billed Cuckoo. — 
Common during the middle of April, but I do not think that any remain 
to breed. 
125. Strix flammea americana Coues. American Barn Owl. — 
More or less common in all suitable localities. Breeds usually in hollow 
stumps, but last year (May 6, t88i) I discovered a nest in the side of a 
high bank of a “gully” near Spring Creek. The nest was about two feet 
from the entrance and nearly horizontal ; a few feathers were the only lin- 
ing. Eggs, three in number, dirty white. 
126. Bracliyotus palustris Gld. Short-eared Owl. — Not uncom- 
mon late in autumn and during winter. near thickets, and marshes, where 
many little birds 'associate, on which it feeds almost entirely. Very shy, 
and not easily secured. , 
127. Syriiium nebulosum Gray. Barred Owl; “Hoot Owl”; 
“Bottom Owl.” — Very common, especially in all the bottom woods and 
in the thick woods bordering Buffalo Bayou. Their curious notes are 
heard every night from the dusk of evening till dawn, and also in dark 
cloudy and rainy days. These notes are easily imitated, and often three or 
four of the birds may be thus attracted. During night time they come 
fearlessly near farm houses, and, with their loud, laughing, unearthly 
sounds, make a terrible noise. I have often heard four or five at one time 
near a house. Their flight is easy and quick. In Texas where the hens,' 
turkeys, etc., roost on trees, this Owl is very destructive. They do not 
kill old poultry, but like half-grown chickens, and soon depopulate a whole 
poultry-yard. The nest is usually built high up in trees, mostly in pin 
oaks | Htfuercus falustris ) and elms, sometimes also in pines, of strong 
twigs and sticks, without a lining. They also use old Crow’s and Hawk’s 
nests, which they repair a little. 
128. Scops asio maccalli Ridgw. Texan Screech Owl.— This 
little Owl seems to be quite common. If they are disturbed, they hide in 
the hollow of a tree or stump. All their movements are exceedingly 
quick and elegant, and the flight gliding and noiseless. I have never had 
an opportunity to examine a nest. 
129. Bubo virgiiiianus Bonaf. Great Horned Owl. — Common; 
resident; breeds. Nests abundantly in all the large woods; especially 
common in dense bottom woods. Their loud cries are to be heard not 
only during the nights, but also in the. day time, when the weather is 
cloudy and rainy. They are very destructive to the poultry; they, like 
the Barred Owls, come near the farm houses and commence their ludi- 
crous cries about nine o’clock in the evening; they utter their cries 
only daring the breeding season ; later' they are almost silent. The flight 
is very quick and easy. The nest is placed from thirty to seventy feet from 
the ground in the top of a large forest tree ; it is composed of sticks and 
