Tyto

Tyto is a genus of owls in the family Tytonidae, commonly referred to as barn owls. The genus includes several species, with the Old World barn owl (Tyto alba) and the New World barn owl (Tyto furcata) among the best recognized. Taxonomic treatment varies by authority, and some classifications treat Tyto alba as a superspecies with regional subspecies or split related populations into distinct species.

Members of Tyto are characterized by a distinctive heart-shaped facial disk, pale underparts, and long legs. They typically have softer plumage and a silent flight, adaptations that aid in hunting small vertebrates at night. Their calls are often a screeching or rasping sound rather than the typical owl hoot.

Ecology and behavior: Tyto species are primarily nocturnal hunters that rely on acute hearing to locate prey, which mostly consists of small mammals. Their hunting strategy often involves perching to listen before swooping to capture prey on the ground. Diet can vary by region and availability. Breeding tends to be year-round in favorable climates, with males and females sharing incubation and feeding duties.

Distribution and habitat: Barn owls in the Tyto lineage have a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring on almost every continent except Antarctica. They inhabit open landscapes such as farmland, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal plains, as well as rural and urban areas. They roost in cavities, hollow trees, buildings, or other sheltered sites.

Conservation and taxonomy: Tyto species face regional threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and invasive species. Conservation efforts often emphasize nest protection and habitat management. The genus Tyto is one of two genera in the family Tytonidae, the other being Phodilus, which includes the bay owls.