spotted owl

Thân thiện

A spotted owl perches on a mossy branch in an old-growth forest.

Definition

Noun: A large owl species (Strix occidentalis) native to the forests of western North America, ranging from British Columbia, Canada, to central Mexico. It is characterized by its dark brown plumage and a chest that is heavily marked with white spots.

Usage

The term "spotted owl" refers specifically to this particular species of owl. It is used in biological, ecological, and conservation contexts. - The spotted owl is considered an indicator species for the health of old-growth forests. - Researchers are monitoring the population of the northern spotted owl.

Advanced Usage

• The species is often discussed in the context of environmental policy and logging debates, as its survival is closely tied to old-growth forest habitats.
  • The debate over logging in the Pacific Northwest often centers on the habitat of the spotted owl.

Variants and Related Words

• Northern spotted owl (): A subspecies found in the Pacific Northwest.
• California spotted owl (): A subspecies found in California and southern Oregon.
• Mexican spotted owl (): A subspecies found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Synonyms

• Barred owl () is a different, related species and is not a true synonym. It is sometimes mentioned in contrast, as its expanding range is a threat to the spotted owl.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a large owl of North America found in forests from British Columbia to central Mexico; has dark brown plumage and a heavily spotted chest

Từ đồng nghĩa

• strix occidentalis