Surnia

Surnia is a genus of owls within the family Strigidae. It contains a single living species, the northern hawk-owl (Surnia ulula), native to boreal forests of the northern hemisphere.

Distribution and habitat: The northern hawk-owl's range spans boreal regions of North America and Eurasia, including Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia, and northern Russia. It favors open coniferous or mixed forests and relies on perches at forest edges and clearings to spot prey. In winter, some individuals move to more southern latitudes depending on snow cover and prey abundance.

Description and behavior: It is a relatively large owl with pale, streaked underparts, a brown back, and a long tail; a round head and yellow eyes give a hawk-like impression. The plumage provides camouflage against snow and lichen. Notably, it hunts in daylight during the breeding season, sallies from a perch to catch small mammals, birds, and insects. It nests in tree cavities, often using holes previously made by woodpeckers; the female typically lays several eggs and incubates while the male provides food.

Taxonomy and conservation: Surnia is a monotypic genus with Surnia ulula as the sole living species. The northern hawk-owl has a broad distribution and is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though regional trends vary with habitat change and climate impacts. Ongoing boreal forest conservation and monitoring are important for maintaining populations.