Oriental Bay Owl

The Oriental bay owl (Phodilus badius), a member of the barn owl family Tytonidae, is a nocturnal raptor with a distinctive heart-shaped face and earlike extensions. Its plumage is a rich chestnut on the upper parts, while the underparts are a paler cream and tan. This owl's large, black eyes are set against the contrasting facial disc, making them quite striking.

Identification Tips

To identify the Oriental bay owl, look for its angular head and the unique heart-shaped facial disc. The upper parts are deep chestnut, and the underparts are cream to tan. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females typically larger than males. Size ranges from 22.5 to 29 cm in length, with a wing length of 172-237mm, and a tail length of 168-239mm. They weigh between 255-308g.

Habitat

This elusive owl is found in tropical moist forests and is prevalent in Southeast Asia. It resides at elevations from 200m to 2300m, depending on the region. Habitats include woodland, plantations, and mangrove swamps.

Distribution

The Oriental bay owl is distributed across Nepal, Sikkim, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Burma, Thailand, south China, the Malay Peninsula, and the Greater Sundas. It has been observed in the evergreen forests of India, including the Himalayan foothills and the southern Western Ghats.

Behaviour

The Oriental bay owl is a solitary and nocturnal bird. It is known for its caring nature towards its offspring, with both parents involved in nurturing the young. The species is adept at hunting from a perch and navigating through trees.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Oriental bay owl includes a series of four to seven melancholic whistles, each lasting two to eight seconds, with the pitch rising towards the end. They may also emit a shorter whistle sequence, sounding like "kleet-kleet-kleet" or "kleek-kleek-kleek."

Breeding

Breeding season spans from March to July, with nesting typically in hollow tree trunks or other suitable cavities. Clutches consist of 3 to 5 white, small eggs. Incubation, primarily by the female, lasts for 36-42 days, and the young are well cared for by both parents.

Similar Species

The Oriental bay owl can be confused with other bay owls, but its unique facial disc and earlike extensions are distinguishing features.

Diet and Feeding

Prey includes small rodents, bats, birds, snakes, frogs, lizards, magpies, and large arthropods such as beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. The owl hunts from perches and is adept at flying through trees to capture prey.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Oriental bay owl as Least Concern, indicating a stable population. However, habitat destruction poses a threat to some local populations.