# Surnia is simple

**Hawk Owl / Hökuggla / Northern Hawk-Owl**

- **Plumage:** Dark brownish-black upperparts heavily flecked with white; clean white underparts densely pattern with sharp horizontal charcoal bars. - **Beak:** Pale yellow, strong hooked bill with short nasal feathers. - **Body build:** Medium-sized owl with a sleek, hawk-like elongated build and long, tapered wedge-shaped tail. - **Distinctive details:** Striking pale yellow eyes surrounded by a black frame on off-white facial discs, diurnal hunting behavior posture on exposed treetops.

This species is an important part of the ecosystems in Västerbotten.

## FAQs

- **Why is the northern hawk-owl named for a hawk?**: It has a long tail, pointed wings, and a fast, direct flight path, giving it a silhouette and flight style closely resembling that of a hawk (Accipiter).
- **Is the northern hawk-owl nocturnal like most other owls?**: No, unlike most owls, the northern hawk-owl is strictly diurnal. This is a crucial adaptation to the Nordic summer, where the sun does not set for weeks in its breeding grounds.


## Weitere Informationen

- Illustration: Surnia ulula
- Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten
- Native to Northern Sweden