... literally means 'white owl' in Greek. The genus Tyto is distinct from the Strigidae – the true or typical owls.
Barn owls (Tytonidae) have characteristic heart–shapes faces, and long, strong legs with powerful talons. There are seventeen species of Tytonidae, many of which are native to Australasia.
Of almost 220 species of true owls (Strigidae), five can be seen in Great Britain: the tawny, little, long- and short-eared, and eagle owls. The last of these is controversial as it's a recent arrival from continental Europe, and will not tolerate any other raptors on its territory. It's big enough to take a young deer as its prey. Some say those found in Britain are unwecome escapees from captivity.
© Haydn Thompson 2020