Horned owl

Bubo is a genus of large owls. It includes the eagle-owls (Old World) and the horned owls (the Americas). 

This genus contains about one or two dozen species of typical owls (family Strigidae). It is found in many parts of the world. Some of the largest living Strigiformes are in Bubo. Traditionally, only owls with ear-tufts were included here, but that is no longer the case.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b sequence data supports the decision to put the snowy owl, an eagle-owl adapted to Arctic conditions, into Bubo.Olsen, Jery et al 2002. A new Ninox owl from Sumba, Indonesia. Emu 102 (3): 223–231.

The fish-owls in the genus Ketupa, and the Scotopelia fishing owls, are also closely related. They might be moved into Bubus, but that would make the genus rather large. As it is some of these owls, like  Verreaux's eagle-owl, are not studied enough. More research is needed.

 References 


Category:Strigiformes