How are barn owls different from other owls in the family Strigidae?

Barn owls are not members of the family Strigidae; they belong to a distinct family called Tytonidae. While both families are part of the order Strigiformes, barn owls are biologically and physically differentiated from the "typical" owls found in the Strigidae family.123

Key differences include:

• Facial Structure: Barn owls possess a heart-shaped facial disk that completely encircles the face, whereas Strigidae owls typically lack this specific shape.12
• Physical Features: Barn owls have comparatively long, slender bills and longer legs than their counterparts in the Strigidae family. Additionally, the middle claw of a barn owl features a comb-like structure.2
• Anatomy: The family Tytonidae is distinguished by an unnotched sternum and large clavicles that are fused with it, features not shared by the Strigidae.3
• Appearance: Barn owls are often referred to as "monkey-faced" and notably lack the ear tufts found on many species within the Strigidae family.1

While both groups are nocturnal birds of prey, these anatomical distinctions clearly separate the barn owl from the diverse species categorized under Strigidae.2