Genus GLAUCIDIUM, Boie.
- Glaucidium, Boie, Isis, 1826, 970. Microptynx, Kaup. (Type, Strix passerina, Linn.)
- Microglaux, Kaup. (Type, Strix havanense, Kaup, = G. siju (D’Orb.) Cab.)
- ? Taenioptynx, Kaup. (Type, Noctua brodiei, Burt.)
Gen. Char. Size very small; head rather small; bill and feet very strong and robust; no ear-tufts; tail long, about three fourths as long as the wing, rounded. Nostrils circular, opening in the middle of the inflated cere-membrane (except in G. siju). Tarsus about equal to the middle toe, densely feathered; toes haired. Four outer quills with their inner webs emarginated; third to fourth longest. Ear-conch very small, simple, rounded. Bill yellowish (except in G. phalænoides?); iris yellow.
The genus is most largely developed within the tropical regions, only one species (G. passerinum) belonging to the cold temperate zone, and this is found on both continents. They are the most robustly organized of all Owls, and, for their size, are very predatory, as in the next genus (Micrathene), though themselves hardly larger than a Sparrow, they frequently feed upon small birds, and, no doubt, often destroy the passerine species of nearly their own size. Like the most of the group to which this genus belongs, they are diurnal in their habits, and fly about during the brightest sunshine. They inhabit chiefly dense forests, and for this reason, are less well known than the more easily accessible Owls.
36874
Glaucidium californicum.
The following synopsis includes only the North American and Mexican species of Glaucidium. In tropical America are several others very distinct from those here given.