Sowa

Sowa is the Polish word for owl. In Polish usage, sowa denotes owls in general and appears in common names for several species and in figurative expressions. It is also a surname of Polish origin.

Biology: Owls belong to the order Strigiformes and are divided into two families, Strigidae (typical owls) and Tytonidae (barn owls). They are primarily nocturnal birds of prey with forward-facing eyes, a hooked beak, and specialized feathers that enable silent flight. Their hearing is highly developed, aiding hunting in low light. Most owls feed on small mammals, birds, and insects, and they inhabit forests, grasslands, and urban areas.

Etymology and usage: The Polish term sowa is part of a broader Slavic pattern; cognate forms appear in other languages, such as Russian sova and Czech sova, reflecting a common root. In cultural contexts, owls are often depicted as symbols of wisdom and nocturnal activity in literature and art.

Surname: As a surname, Sowa is relatively common in Poland and among Polish communities abroad. It originated from the animal name and may have referred to a person associated with owls or with watchfulness.

See also: Owl; Sowa (surname).