Bay-owl

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.