lowan

The term "lowan" can refer to several things, most notably a type of native Australian bird and a surname.

The lowan is a ground-dwelling bird found in Australia, also known as the Malleefowl or Lowan. These birds are large, stout, and brownish-grey, characterized by their distinctive, large mounds of earth and vegetation they build for incubation. These mounds can be several meters in diameter and are a crucial part of their breeding cycle. The lowan primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid mallee shrublands and woodlands across southern Australia. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, insects, and fallen fruit. The species is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and introduced predators.

As a surname, "Lowan" is of Scottish origin. It is thought to be a locational surname, possibly derived from a place name. Like many surnames, its exact etymological roots can be traced back to specific geographical areas within Scotland. Individuals bearing the surname Lowan are found in various parts of the world, with a historical presence in Australia and the United Kingdom.