Page:Notes on the Ornithology of Southern Texas.djvu/36

Rh 129. Hylotomus pileatus, (Lion.)

Late in May, 1876, I saw one specimen near Santa Maria, and have seen several holes that from their size were probably made by this bird. — (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 469.)

Mem. — Perhaps this was a Mexican species.

130. * Centurus aurifrons, (Wagl.)

This handsome Woodpecker is found abundantly, perhaps rather more so than P. scalaris. Its habits and mode of nesting do not differ from those of other Woodpeckers of the same size. In places where there is only low chaparral, the poles of the government telegraph line are completely riddled by this bird. The eggs are usually four in number, and are rather fragile ; before they are blown, they are a beautiful shade of pink. Seven specimens average 1.03 by .76. — (Sennett, B. Rio Grande, 39. — 0. flaviventris, Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 469.)

131. Strix flammea var. pratincole, Bon.

This Owl seems to be a rather common resident. Near Hidalgo it breeds in holes in the banks of the Rio Grande, and in Brownsville a few nest in ruined buildings. — (8. pratincola, Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 330. — 8. flammea americana, Sennett, B. Eio Grande, 39.)

132. Asio accipitrinus, (Pall.)

During the latter part of January, 1877, a small gathering of these Owls frequented a patch of tall grass in an open field near Browns- ville. — {Brachyotus cassini, Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 330.)

133. Scops asio var. maccalli, Cass.

Common resident. Kear Hidalgo, on May 6, 1876, I captured a female of this race on her nest in an old hollow stump about five feet from the ground. There were two eggs, nearly hatched, placed on a few chips at the bottom of the hole: these were of a dull white color with yellowish stains, and measure 1.40 by 1.15 and 1.39 by 1.13. The parent made an interesting pet for a few days, but finally escaped from iny tent with one of the pegs to which it had been tied. — (8. asio maccalli, Sennett, B. Eio Grande, 39. — 8. maccalli, Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 330.)

134. Bubo virginianus, (Gmel.)

Probably resident. I have seen them occasionally in deep woods, and on one occasion in a perfectly open prairie, miles from timber of «iny size. — (Sennett, B. Eio Grande, 39.)

135. Speotyto cunicularia var. hypogsea, (Bon.)

The Burrowing Owl is rather abundant during the winter months, but I do not think that any remain to breed. — (Athene hypogwa, Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 330.)