Bay Owl
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Bay Owls are barn owls of the genus Phodilus, subfamily Phodilinae. Most classification schemes recognize two species in this genus: the Oriental Bay Owl (Phodilus badius) and the Congo Bay Owl (Phodilus prigoginei).
The latter is not well known and was initially considered a subspecies of P. badius; today, however, it is not clear whether the African species would not be better placed in Tyto or a monotypic genus. Both species are nocturnal, and appear similar to other barn owls; they are generally smaller, have ear-like feather tufts (hardly visible in the African species), and a more U-shaped facial disk.
An apparently extinct population from Samar Island might constitute a third species, but the only known specimen has been lost.
[edit] References
- Bruce, M. D. (1999): Family Tytonidae (Barn-owls). In: del Hoyo, J.; Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. (eds): Handbook of Birds of the World, Volume 5: Barn-owls to Hummingbirds: 34-75, plates 1-3. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. ISBN 84-87334-25-3
