Bay owl

Taxobox | name = Bay owl

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image_width = 250px
image_caption = Oriental Bay Owl
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Strigiformes
familia = Tytonidae
genus = "Phodilus"
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision =
*"P. badius"
*"P. prigoginei"

The 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.

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