The family Tytonidae, belonging to the order Strigiformes (owls), comprises the barn owls and their relatives. Members of this family are medium to large nocturnal birds of prey, characterized by heart-shaped facial discs, strong talons, and silent flight adaptations that make them highly effective hunters of small mammals, especially rodents. Tytonids are found in a wide range of habitats across the world, from grasslands and forests to agricultural areas. Unlike their close relatives in the family Strigidae, Tytonidae typically have lighter, more delicate bodies and a distinctive facial structure that enhances their exceptional hearing. They play an important ecological role in controlling rodent populations and maintaining the balance of terrestrial ecosystems.