The Forest Owlet.
Heteroglaux blewitti, Hume, S. F. i, p. 468 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. ii, p. 141; Ball, S. F- v, p. 412 ; Hume, Cat. no. 76 quint.; Davidson, S. F. x, p. 292; Sharpe, Yark. Miss., Aves, p. 151, pl. xxii. Carine (Heteroglaux) blewitti, Ball, S. F. vii, p. 201.
Coloration very like that of A. brama, but the brown spot in front of the eye is faint or wanting; there are no white spots, or only traces of them, on the crown and nape, the nuchal semi-collar is less distinct; the back and lesser and median wing-coverts are uniform brown, the white spots being confined to the greater coverts; there are four broad distinct white bars across the tail-feathers, one being terminal; the brown band across the throat is dark, unbroken, and much broader, and there is a second and still broader band on the breast, partly broken by white edges; farther back on the breast and flanks the brown bars are wider apart, and the middle of the abdomen, legs, and under tail-coverts are pure white. Colours of soft parts not recorded.
Length about 9; tail 2.9; wing 5.7-6; tarsus 1; bill from gape .85.
A heavier bird than A. brama, weighing 8.5 oz., or fully one-third more. The 3rd and 4th quills are longest, the 3rd generally slightly exceeding the 4th, 1st quill about as long as 8th. Tarsus feathered; upper surface of toes with soft feathers, the barbs of which wear away, leaving the shafts only in some specimens.
Distribution. Of this rare Owl the type was obtained by Mr. Blewitt near Sambalpur, and a second specimen by Mr. Ball on the Udet river in Karial, 150 miles farther south. Some years later three specimens were collected by Mr. Davidson at the foot of the Satpuras in North-western Khandesh, where this species was not rare. All were found in thick forest.
