Congo bay-owl

Description

The Congo bay owl is a small owl with chestnut brown on the upper-parts,black and white spots on the crown and nape,and reddish cream underparts.The only specimens known have been adult females,males and juveniles are therefore unknown.It is similar to the other Phodilus species in being smaller than typical barn owls,and having the more U-shaped facial disk;however,the ear-like feather tufts are hardly visible.While it does show some similarities to the Oriental bay owl in its plumage colour and pattern,its facial disc is heart shaped like that of the western barn owl,and the similarity with the oriental bay owl may be due to convergence