Sri Lanka Bay Owl
Sri Lanka Maskeneule ( Phodilus assimilis )
The Sri Lankan Maskeneule ( Phodilus assimilis ) is a species of the family of barn owls. It occurs only in Southeast Asia. The species is sometimes included as subspecies of Maskeneule. The ornithologist Claus King admits their species status because they have different vocalizations strikingly from those of the Maskeneule.
Features
The Sri Lankan Maskeneule reaches a body length of 29 centimeters. It has a great similarity to Maskeneule but is darker on the upper side of body and brown. The body top is densely white and black spotted. The wings and tail have conspicuous stripes. The face veil is washed heart-shaped and pink.
The distribution area of Sri Lanka Maskeneule is the extreme south-west of the Indian subcontinent and the south of Sri Lanka. It is a state bird, which occurs more frequently in wetlands and settled evergreen forests and mangroves. Your altitudinal distribution ranges from lowlands to altitudes of 1200 meters above sea level. The way of life is very similar to Maskeneule. The species prefers nest in tree cavities. The nest consists of two to three white eggs.