The oldest barn owl fossils found thus far are estimated to be at least 24 million years old. Based on the fossil evidence, these ancient owls evolved into the 2 families of modern owls. The oldest known owl fossils are from the Miocene, which occurred 38 to 54 million years ago. The family Tytonidae contains approximately 17 known species of barn owls the other species belong to the family Strigidae. Two distinct families contain the more than 200 species of owls. Owls belong to the phylogenetic class Aves. Their long-term survival is questionable due to the loss of habitat and a low rate of successful reproduction. Northern spotted owls have become threatened in the United States due to logging in the Northwest. Pygmy owls are threatened in their southwestern United States territories due to loss of habitat caused by growing towns and cities. As a result, the future of many owls, including the popular barn owl, is in doubt. Many owl species cannot adapt to changes in their ecosystems caused by humans. Human encroachment on owl territories has led to the decline of owl populations in the wild. They also nest in the crevices of cliffs, inside hollow trees, and inside dense evergreen trees during cold weather. Barn owls frequently inhabit structures such as barns, belfries, and deserted buildings. Instead of building nests, owls simply take over the abandoned nests of other birds.

Predator vs prey parental care