This is a reddish-brown bird barred with narrow white and black bars. It has a long heart-shaped face, which is white.
It is very nocturnal in its habits; when it does get abroad in the daytime it is promptly mobbed by the crows. Its cry is a weird screech, and it is regarded by the people as a bird of evil omen.
[137]. Asio accipitrinus: The Short-eared Owl. (F. 1157), (J. 68), (+IV.)
A large buff bird barred all over with dark brown. It lies up during the day in grass, and is often flushed by sportsmen. Sometimes three or four are flushed together. It is a winter visitor to India.
[138]. Scops giu: The Scops Owl. (F. 1173), (J. 74), (-II.)
This may be distinguished from the spotted owlet by the fact that it possesses “horns” or ear-tufts. Like most other owls it is heard more often than seen. Its note, which must be familiar to all who have camped in India, is a single hoot, which is repeated monotonously at regular intervals of about ten seconds.
[139]. Glaucidium radiatum: The Jungle Owlet. (F. 1184), (J. 78), (-II.)
This owl is very like [135] in appearance, and has a peculiar protracted call which must be familiar to those who have camped in the U. P.
It does not appear to occur in the N.W. F. P., the Punjab, the Deccan, or Bombay.
[140]. Pandion haliaëtus: The Osprey. (F. 1189), (J. 40), (-V.)