From Opus

Genus: Ciccaba

[edit] Description

The genus Ciccaba is currently only recognized by Clements among the major checklists, all others place the species in question in the genus Strix. The South American Classification Committee (SACC) is undecided with regards to their position.

König et al, Owls, state that they cannot see any generic difference between these four and the rest of Strix, and furthermore, that DNA evidence indicates the owls in question group with the owls in Strix. Restall has a note explaining that Ciccaba was originally separated from Strix on anatomy of the external ear.

[edit] Taxonomy

If recognized, this genus would contain the species Mottled Owl Strix virgata, Rufous-banded Owl Strix albitarsis, Black-and-white Owl Strix nigrolineata, and Black-banded Owl Strix huhula.

[edit] References

König et al, Owls, ISBN 0300079206

Restall et al in Birds of Northern South America, ISBN 9780300108620

SACC: http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline03.html read on 5th July, 2008.