Northern hawk owl, Surnia ulula, also occasionally known as the day owl (because it sometimes flies during the day?), photographed at Westham Island, just south of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Image: Doug Parrott, 30 December 2010 [velociraptorize].
Nikon D300, 1/1000, F5.6, ISO: 450, 35efl: 550.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 825.0 mm)
Question: What is the field mark that gives this North American mystery bird its common name?
Response: This is an adult northern hawk owl, Surnia ulula. This owl is known as a "hawk owl" because its long, pointed wings and its long tail resemble those of a falcon. There are other owls that also have the common name "hawk owl" but they are not close relatives of this species, which is the only member of its genus.
This lovely bird is a resident of northern boreal forests of North America and Eurasia. It usually lives on the edges of forests and in open woodland. This species is not migratory, but it is known to wander south of its typical range in winter.
You are invited to review all of the daily mystery birds by going to their dedicated graphic index page.
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