What are the two families in the owl order Strigiformes?

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The order Strigiformes, which consists of nocturnal predatory birds, is divided into two distinct families:1

  • Family Tytonidae: This family includes barn owls, grass owls, and bay owls. They are characterized by a heart-shaped facial disk and a relatively long, slender beak.1
  • Family Strigidae: This is a larger, more diverse family that includes the burrowing owl, eagle owl, snowy owl, and many others found nearly worldwide.1