FERRUGINOUS PYGMY OWL. 
380. Glaucidium phalcenoides. 7 inches. 
This is very similar to the last, but in color is much more 
rufous on the upper parts, and the tail is of a bright chestnut 
color crossed by several bands of black. They live largely 
on the small rodents and birds which they secure during the 
daytime. They nest in hollow cavities of trees, from ten to 
forty feet from the ground, laying four glossy white eggs 
(1.10 x .90). 
ELF OWL. 
381, MicropalJas whitneyi. 6 inches. 
This odd little bird is the smallest of the family found in 
America. In plumage it may be described as being very like 
a small Screech Owl, without the ear tufts, only with the 
pattern of the markings much finer. They are quite abundant 
in central Mexico and in southern Arizona, where they build 
their nests in deserted Woodpecker holes, or perhaps more fre¬ 
quently in the giant cactus. It differs from the preceding in 
being a bird of the night, rarely flying in daylight. They feed 
almost exclusively upon insects, and rarely a mole or field 
mouse. They lay from three to five white eggs, having a 
slight gloss (1.02 x.90). 
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