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Glite Dictionary
Strix occidentalis

Strix occidentalis

9.9
A large brown owl with many spots on its chest that lives in North American forests
  • noun
  • /strɪks ɒkɪˈdɛntəlɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Strix occidentalis
  • The Strix occidentalis is renowned for its striking dark brown feathers and distinctive spotted chest.

Examples

  • Researchers tracked the habitat range of Strix occidentalis throughout the Pacific Northwest.

  • Look at that Strix occidentalis perched on the tree!

  • Efforts to protect forests are essential for the survival of Strix occidentalis in the wild.

  • The conservation status of the Strix occidentalis has become a major concern for environmentalists.

  • The Strix occidentalis is an endangered species.

  • In the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the Strix occidentalis is often heard but rarely seen.

  • To assist in conservation efforts, scientists are studying the Strix occidentalis and its natural habitat.

Synonyms

spotted owl
vsStrix occidentalis
  • US
6 7.6

A large North American owl with dark brown feathers and white spots on its chest that lives in old forests

is the scientific Latin name for the same species

Surface Forms

Strix occidentalis singular
Strix occidentalis plural

Morphology

Strix + occidentalis

This is a Latin binomial formed from the genus name 'Strix' (a group of owls) plus the adjective 'occidentalis' (meaning 'western'); a learner who knows both constituents can compose 'western Strix' → a western owl (the spotted owl). The name is taxonomic and fully compositional rather than idiomatic, so its meaning is derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Strix occidentalis comes from old Latin words: Strix means 'owl' and occidentalis means 'western'. So the name literally says 'western owl', which fits the spotted owl that lives in the forests of western North America.