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Glite Dictionary
Surnia ulula

Surnia ulula

9.9
A grey and white owl that hunts during the day in northern forests and open woodlands
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Surnia ulula
  • The Surnia ulula is remarkable for its ability to hunt during the day, unlike many other owls.

Examples

  • The distinctive plumage of the Surnia ulula helps it blend into northern boreal forests.

  • I spotted a Surnia ulula perched on a tree branch.

  • Birdwatchers in Canada often hope to spot the elusive Surnia ulula in open woodlands.

  • Look at that Surnia ulula!

  • Birdwatchers in Canada often hope to spot the elusive Surnia ulula in open woodlands.

  • The Surnia ulula is remarkable for its ability to hunt during the day, unlike many other owls.

  • The distinctive plumage of the Surnia ulula helps it blend into northern boreal forests.

Synonyms

hawk owl
vsSurnia ulula
  • Specialized
7.9

A grey and white owl that hunts small mammals during the day in northern regions

is the scientific Latin name used for the same species

Surface Forms

Surnia ulula singular
Surnia ululas plural

Morphology

Surnia + ulula

This is a scientific Latin binomial (genus + species) composed of a proper name and an unanalyzed epithet ('ulula' not found in the dictionary), so its meaning as 'Northern Hawk Owl' is not derivable from the constituent words. Taxonomic names are conventional labels rather than compositional phrases, making them unpredictable for a B1 learner even if they 'know' the parts.

Etymology

Surnia ulula may come from old words for an 'owl' and the sound it makes: the part Surnia likely points to a small, hawk-like owl and ulula echoes the bird's 'ulu' call. That's why the name fits the northern hawk owl and helps you remember a daytime, hawk-like owl when you hear the name.