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Surnia

Surnia

9.9
A group of owls like the northern hawk owl that live in northern forests and are active by day
  • proper noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Surnia
  • The North American subspecies, Surnia ulula caparoch, makes occasional winter appearances on farmland as far south as southern Canada and the northernmost regions of the contiguous United States.

Examples

  • The Surnia genus includes owls that are often found in the coniferous forests of the northern hemisphere.

  • Birdwatchers are excited to spot a Surnia owl during their trips to remote northern woodlands.

  • The characteristics of the Surnia genus make these owls unique compared to other species in the Strigidae family.

Surface Forms

Surnia main

Etymology

Surnia is a Latin-style scientific name given to a small group of hawk owls, and scientists often add the ending -ia to make such names. A helpful way to remember Surnia is to think of it as a 'Latin' label for the northern hawk owl, which is why the word refers to that particular group of owls.