type and only genus of the family Tytonidae

The genus Tyto includes all barn-owls (family Tytonidae), except for the Bay Owls (subfamily Phodilinae, genus Phodilus). They are darker on the back than the front, usually an orange-brown colour, the front being a paler version of the back or mottled, although there is considerable variation even amongst species. Tyto owls have a divided, heart-shaped facial disc, and lack the ear-like tufts of feathers found in many other owls.