ZOOLOGY. 
77 
SYBNIUM CINEMEUM. 
The Great Cinereous Owl. 
This large and handsome owl is generally disseminated over the western part of the North 
American continent, at least we obtained proofs of its existence in the Sacramento valley, in the 
Cascade mountains, in the Des Chutes basin, and on the Columbia, in Oregon. 
NYCTALE ACADICA. 
The Acadian Owl. 
This little owl is found in Oregon, but we saw nothing of it in California, where it is, how¬ 
ever, said to exist. 
ATHENE IIYPUGiEA. 
The Burrowing Owl. 
The burrowing owl is found in many parts of California, wnere it shares the burrows of 
Beechey’s and Douglas’ spermophile. We found it in several places between San Francisco 
and Fort Beading, and again in the Klamath basin, though at the northward less frequently 
than in the Sacramento valley. South of San Francisco, they are found at San Diego and 
Monterey. We usually saw them standing at the entrance to their burrows. They often 
allowed us to approach within shot, and, before talcing flight, twisted their heads about, and 
bowed with many ludicrous gestures, thus, apparently, aiding their imperfect sight and getting 
a better view of the intruder. When shot at and not killed, or when otherwise alarmed, they 
fly with an irregular, jerking motion, dropping down, much like a woodcock, at some other 
hole. 
G-LAUCIDIUM INFUSCATUM. 
The Sparrow Owl. 
I procured specimens of this diminutive owl on the Cascade mountains, in Oregon, where it is 
not very uncommon. It occurs also in California, for we saw several specimens in San Fran¬ 
cisco, which had been obtained in that State, but we did not meet with it in the Sacramento 
valley. It is apparently, in a great measure, confined to wooded districts, which will account 
for our not finding it in the open country of California. 
It flies about with great freedom and activity by day, pursuing the small birds, on which it 
subsists, apparently as little incommoded by the light as they are. 
ANTBOSTEOMUS NUTTALL1I. 
Nuttall’s Whip-poor-will. 
This species is found in all parts of California and Oregon. On the shores of Bhett lake we 
came upon the nest of this bird, if nest it could be called, in which were two young ones nearly 
old enough to fly. The mother fluttered off as though disabled, by her cries and strange 
motions leading one of our party far down the hill-side, and away from her young; which done, 
she flew away well and swiftly, much to his surprise. Meantime we had found the pretty 
creatures for whom she had been so solicitous. They resembled the young of the eastern 
