Sri Lanka Bay Owl
NameSri Lanka Bay Owl
Common NameSri Lanka Bay Owl
Scientific NamePhodilus assimilis
FamilyPhodilidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)26
Weight (g)300
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are rufous-brown to chestnut, heavily spotted with white. Underparts are paler, buffy-white with sparse dark spotting. It has a prominent, pale, heart-shaped facial disc bordered by a darker rufous band, and large, dark eyes.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a series of soft, mournful hoots or whistles, often described as "whoo-whoo" or "whistle-whistle." It can also produce hisses and screeches when agitated.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats of southern India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu).
Identifying Featuresheart-shaped facial disc, large dark eyes, rufous-brown plumage with white spots, nocturnal, secretive nature
Description
This nocturnal owl is characterized by its distinctive heart-shaped, pale facial disc and large dark eyes. Its plumage is a mix of rufous-brown and buff, mottled with white spots, allowing it to camouflage effectively in its forest habitat. It is a secretive species, typically found perched in dense foliage.
