Boreal Owl
/ˈbɔːr.i.əl aʊl/noun
A small northern owl, Aegolius funereus, found across boreal forests of Eurasia and North America.
Did you know?The species name funereus means “funereal” or “associated with a funeral” in Latin, reflecting the bird’s dark, haunting reputation.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Βορέας (Boréas)
“The north wind; also the personified god of the north wind.”
Classical Latin
Latin
boreas
“The north wind, borrowed from Greek.”
Late Latin
Latin
boreālis
“Northern; of the north.”
Old English
Old English
ūle
“Owl, a nocturnal bird named in a Germanic word associated with its call.”
Middle English
Middle English
oule / owl
“Owl; the spelling gradually developed toward modern owl.”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Aegolius funereus
“The formal scientific name of the boreal owl; funereus means “funereal.””
Modern English
English
boreal owl
“The standard common name for this northern forest owl.”
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