“The Biscacho[136] is found all over the plains of the Pampas; like rabbits they live in holes, which are in groups in every [p495] direction, and which make galloping over these plains very dangerous. These animals are never seen in the day, but as soon as the lower limb of the sun reaches the horizon, they are seen issuing from their holes in all directions, which are scattered in groups like little villages, all over the Pampas. The biscachos, when full grown, are nearly as large as badgers, but their head resembles a rabbit, excepting that they have large bushy whiskers. In the evening they sit outside their holes, and they all appear to be moralising. They are the most serious looking animals I ever saw; and even the young ones are grey headed, have mustachios, and look thoughtful and grave. In the day time their holes are always guarded by two little owls, who are never an instant away from their post. As one gallops by these owls, they always stand looking at the stranger and then at each other, moving their old-fashioned heads in a manner which is quite ridiculous, until one rushes by them, when fear gets the better of their dignified looks, and they both run into the biscachos’ “hole.”—(Head’s Rough Notes, p. 82.)
Captain Head has not given us the name of this owl, but in all probability it was the Strix Cunicularia, or Coquimbo Owl, which is described as flying in pairs, sometimes by day, and making its nest in long subterraneous burrows[137]. In the singular motion of its head, it however corresponds with the Strix Brasiliana, or Brownish Horned Owl, mentioned by Maregrave in his History of Brazil, which he says is easily tamed, and can so turn about its neck that the tip of the beak shall exactly point at the middle of the back; that it also plays with men like an ape, making many mowes, (as Willoughby translates it,) and antic mimical faces, and snapping with its bill. But for the best account we have met with, we are indebted to the splendid continuation of Wilson’s American Ornithology by Lucien Bonaparte, under the title “Burrowing Owl—a bird,” he says, “that so far from seeking refuge in the ruined habitations of man, fixes his residence within the earth; instead of concealing itself in solitary recesses of the forests, delights to dwell on open plains, in company with animals remarkable for their social disposition, neatness, and order. Instead of sailing heavily forth in the obscurity of the evening or morning twilight, and then retreating to its secluded abode, this bird enjoys the broadest glare of the noon-day sun, and flying rapidly along, searches for food or pleasure during the cheerful light of the day. In the trans-Mississippian territories of the United States, this very singular bird resides exclusively in the villages of the Marmot, or Prairie Dog, whose excavations are so commodious, as to render it unnecessary that it should dig for itself, as it is said to do in other parts of the world, where no burrowing animals exist. These villages are very numerous, and variable in their extent, sometimes covering only a few acres, and at others spreading over the surface of the country for miles together. They are composed of slightly [p496] elevated mounds, about two feet in width at the base, and seldom exceeding eighteen inches in height. In all these Prairie dog villages, the burrowing owl is seen moving briskly about, or else in small flocks scattered among the mounds, and at a distance it may be mistaken for the marmot itself when sitting erect. They manifest but little timidity, and allow themselves to be approached sufficiently close for shooting; but if alarmed, some or all of them soar away, and settle down again at a short distance: if further disturbed, their flight is continued until they are no longer in view, or they descend into their dwellings, whence they are difficult to dislodge. The burrows into which these owls have been seen to descend on the plains of the river Platte, where they are the most numerous, were evidently excavated by the marmot, whence it has been interred by the learned and indefatigable Say[138], that they were either common, though unfriendly residents of the same habitation, or that the owl was the sole occupant by right of conquest.” We have in the statements of Captain Head, however, a proof that both tenants habitually resort at the same time to one burrow; and we are assured by Pike and others, that a common danger often drives them into the same excavation where lizards and rattlesnakes also enter for concealment and safety.
In the above extracts we have noted in italics the striking similarity to the account given by Captain Head.
E. S.
[136] This animal is probably either the Cavia Paca, Spotted Cavy, or Arctomys Monax, Ferruginous Brown Marmot, though the latter is described as principally found in North America.
[137] Turton, Lin. vol. i. 169.
[138] We have had no opportunity of consulting Say, and therefore can only refer our readers to an author who has collected an interesting store of facts relative to natural science, and particularly with regard to this bird.
19. Naturalisation of Fish.
16th August, 1827.
Sir,