Owls are birds from the order Strigiformes with over 200 species of mostly solitary and nocturnal birds of prey typified by an upright stance, a large, broad head, binocular vision, binaural hearing, sharp talons, and feathers adapted for silent flight. Exceptions include the diurnal northern hawk-owl and the gregarious burrowing owl.

Strigiformes: All Owls are classified as members of this order. 
The name is formed from "Strig", the plural form of the Latin word "strix", meaning "owl", and "formes", meaning "forms".

Strigidae: The family for all Owls except Barn Owls, derived from "Strix", a Latin word for owl (also the same in Greek)

Tytonidae: All barn owls are members of this family. The name is derived from the Greek word "tuto", which means "owl".