446 
Mr. J. H. Gurney on Pel’s Owl. 
"Genus 112. 
" Scotopelia*, Bp. Permagna : plumes auriculares nullce : tarsi 
digitique nudi. 
" Strix Peli, Temm. Mus. Lugd. Figura nulla . Ex Ash- 
antee. Longit. 22 pollicar. : rufo-cinnamoihea nigro undulata; 
subtus dilutior, maculis nigris paucis : tarsis digitisque flavisP 
This description applies very well to my specimen, except that 
the transverse markings on the upper part and the spots on the 
lower part of the bird are not of a true black, but are, more pro¬ 
perly speaking, of a dark brown, varying from the other portions 
of the plumage rather in intensity of hue than in actual dif¬ 
ference of colour. My specimen also differs from the descrip¬ 
tion in the c Conspectus 5 in the colour of the tarsi and feet, 
which are a dirty white with a tinge of bluish-pink. The talons 
are a very light horn-colour, with a tinge of dull blue. The 
cere is a bluish lead-colour, and darker than the talons. The 
bill is similar in colour to the cere, but much darker, except 
towards the tip. The irides are an extremely dark brown. The 
bill is very powerful, and more prominent than in most other 
Owls ; the talons are also of remarkably formidable dimensions. 
This Owl, since it has been in my possession, has evinced a 
tendency to nocturnal habits, seeking the shelter of a hollow 
tree, with which I have provided it, and seldom feeding much 
till the approach of twilight. The food which it has preferred 
since it has been in my keeping has consisted of rats and raw 
fish, of both of which it partakes freely. 
I understand that the bird is now in its second year. It is 
very tame, and has evidently been well cared for, as will be seen by 
the following interesting memorandum, with which Col. O’Con¬ 
nor has favoured me respecting it. It will be observed that the 
Owl is there spoken of under the name of "Nero,” which it 
bore while in Col. O’Connor’s possession. The Eagle which is 
referred to in the memorandum was also most liberally pre- 
* The derivation of this curious generic name I believe to be <tkotos 
caligo and neXcia columba (with a covert allusion to the specific name),— 
although the formidable bill and talons of the bird give it anything but a 
dove-like appearance.—E d. 
