221 
Ornithology of Central America . 
/ ^ 298. Scops -? 
Though a skin from Cajabon seems to present some features 
\ that might entitle it to be considered as a distinct species, yet 
so much obscurity exists with respect to these Owls, that to give 
new names tends only to increase the confusion. The species to 
which it is most nearly allied are Scops usta , Sclater, P. Z. S. 
1858, p. 132, and S. hr asili crisis, from the former of which it differs 
in having the ears less conspicuous, and in wanting the deep 
rufous tinge that pervades the whole plumage of that bird. It also 
has a light marking over the eye which is wanting in S . usta . 
Prom the latter it differs in its general tone of colouring, the 
breast being lighter and the back richer and more rufous. More 
examples will be necessary, to trace the changes of its plumage, 
before entering upon its claims to be held as a really distinct 
species. 
S 299. Lophostrix stricklandi, Sclat. et Salv. Scops cris - 
tata , Daud., var ., Strickl., Contr. Orn. 1848, p. 60, pi. 10. 
The late Mr. Strickland has, in his usual accurate manner, 
pointed out the characters which distinguish this Central Ame¬ 
rican bird from its prototype of Cayenne. He was acquainted 
only with one example, from which his figure was taken. 
Mr. Skinner having lately transmitted three examples of this 
bird from the Vera Paz, all of which agree in the distinctions 
o-iven by Mr. Strickland, we cannot avoid considering it as en¬ 
titled to specific rank. The most obvious differences are the 
absence of the white on the forehead, the blackish ear-coverts, 
and the much more distinct markings on the wings in the 
present bird. 
V 300. Syrnium nebulosum (Forster) : Baird's Rep. p. 56. 
(N. A.) _ 
The Norwich Museum contains examples of this Owl trans- 
rnitted by Mr. Skinner from Cajabon, where it appears to breed, 
as one of the specimens is in the downy plumage of the young 
' bird. 
301. Syrnium virgatum, Cassin, P. Z. S. 1856, p.285. 
Numerous examples of this species have been transmitted by 
Mr. Skinner. 
