. They nest in the tallest trees along the
ranges, often being found 75 or more feet from the ground. The eggs do
not differ from those of the Pygmy Owl, ranging in size from 1.00 x .85
to 1.20 x .95.

379.1. HOSKIN'S PYGMY OWL. _Glaucidium hoskinsi._

Range.--Southern Lower California.

This species is smaller and more gray than the preceding. It is not
probable that its manners of nesting or eggs differ in any respect from
those of the others of this genus.

[Illustration 241: Burrowing Owl.]
[Illustration: deco.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]

Page 240

380. FERRUGINOUS PYGMY OWL. _Glaucidium phaloenoides._

Range.--Mexico and Central America; north to the Mexican border of the
United States.

This species is of the same size as the last, but is much tinged with
rufous on the upper parts, and the tail is of a bright chestnut brown
color, crossed by about eight bars of black. They nest in hollow
cavities in trees, from ten to forty feet from the ground, laying three
or four glossy white eggs; size 1.10 x .90.

381. ELF OWL. _Micropallas whitneyi._

Range.--Mexico, north to the bordering states.

This odd little bird is the smallest member of the family found in
America, attaining a length of only six inches. In plumage it may be
described as similar to a very small, earless Screech Owl, only with the
pattern of the markings a great deal finer. They are said to be quite
abundant in the table lands of central Mexico and in southern Arizona,
where they build their nests in deserted Woodpeckers' holes, perhaps
most frequently in the giant cactus. It is said to be more nocturnal
than the Pygmy Owls and to feed almost exclusively upon insects. They
lay from three to five eggs having a slight gloss. Size 1.02 x .90.
Data.--Southern Arizona, May 22, 1902. Nest in a deserted Woodpecker
hole. Two eggs.

[Illustration 242: 380--381.]
[Illustration: White.]
[Illustration: deco-photo.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]

Page 241

PAROQUETS AND PARROTS. Order XIII. PSITTACI.

Family PSITTACIDAE

382. CAROLINA PAROQUET. _Conuropsis carolinensis._

Range.--Now rare in Florida and along the Gulf coast to Indian
Territory. As late as 1885, the Carolina Paroquets were abundant in the
South Atlantic and Gulf States, but owing to their wanton destruction by
man, they have been exterminated in the greater portion of their range,
and now are rarely seen in any locality, and then only in the most
unhabitab