Laughing owl genus "Sceloglaux" as previously thought, but instead belong to the genus "Ninox". The analysis indicated that the laughing owl may be a sister taxon to the "Ninox" clade containing the barking owl, Sumba boobook, and morepork, the latter of which shared New Zealand with the laughing owl. The laughing owl's plumage was yellowish-brown striped with dark brown. White straps were on the scapulars, and occasionally the hind neck. Mantle feathers were edged with white. The wings and tail had light-brown bars. The tarsus had yellowish to reddish-buff feathers. The facial disc was white behind and below the eyes, fading to
1977 Australasian Individual Speedway Championship England. Ivan Mauger would go on to win his record equalling 5th World Championship later in the year at the Ullevi stadium in Göteborg, Sweden. 1977 Australasian Individual Speedway Championship The 1977 Australasian Individual Speedway Championship was the second annual Australasian Final for Motorcycle speedway riders from Australia and New Zealand as part of the qualification for the 1977 Speedway World Championship. The Final took place at the Sydney Showground. Four time World Champion Ivan Mauger was the winner after defeating Phil Crump and defending Australasian Champion John Boulger in a runoff after all three riders finished on 14 points.