Surnia
- proper noun
- Specialized
- 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
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.