Owls can be found on every continentexcept Antarctica. Some owls live in trees, while others make their homes on the ground. Owls are generally known for their nocturnal activity, but there are a few speciesthat come out during the day.
Owls are extremely quiet when they fly. Even large owls like barn owls are almost silent when they move their wings. Owls’ feathersare generally larger than those of other birds and featuresmooth edges. The unique shape of their featherspreventsthem from making noise. Being able to fly silently helps owls catch their prey more easily.
Owls also have great eyesight. They have large eyes and can see well in the dark. However, owls can’t move their eyes to observetheir surroundings. Instead, they rotate their entire head. They can turn their heads 270 degrees in either direction. This allows them to see from the left all the way to the right. They also have the ability to tilt their heads nearly upside down while keeping their bodies facing forward. With these remarkablefeatures, it is no wonder thatowls are considered the kings of the night.
單字片語整理
Words in Use
●
continent
[ˋkɑntənənt]
n. 大陸；洲
=
mainland
Australia is a continent; New Zealand isn’t.
澳洲是一塊大陸，紐西蘭不是。
There used to be many Native American tribes on the American Continent.
美洲大陸一度曾有許多美國原住民部落。
高中 Level 3
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species
[ˋspiʃiz]
n. 物種（單複數同形）
We found a strange species of bird on the island.
我們在這座島上發現了一種怪鳥。
Many species of wild animals are endangered. 許多種野生動物都快要瀕臨絕種了。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
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feather
[ˋfɛðɚ]
n. 羽毛
After the pillow fight, the two children were covered in feathers.
在打完枕頭仗後，這兩個小朋友弄得滿身都是羽毛。
Birds of a feather flock together.
物以類聚。⸺諺語
高中 Level 3
●
feature
[fitʃɚ]
vt. 以……為特色；主打（特色、功能等）
n. 特徵，特色
=
characteristic
=
trait
What are the features of your new smartphone?
你的新手機有什麼特色？
This book features the beauty of nature.
這本書以大自然的美為主題。
This book highlights the beauty of nature.
這本書以大自然的美為主題。
The singer’s new album features a song written by a famous Japanese songwriter.
這位歌手的新專輯主打一首知名日本作曲家所寫的歌。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 2
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observe
[əbˋzɝv]
vt. 觀察；遵守
=
obey
Have you observed any changes in Sam’s behavior?
你觀察到山姆的行為有所改變嗎？
A good citizen should always observe the law.
好國民應始終守法。
A good citizen should always abide by the law.
好國民應始終守法。
A good citizen should always comply with the law.
好國民應始終守法。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
●
surroundings
[səˋraʊndɪŋz]
n. （住處）環境（恆用複數）
=
environment
=
circumstances
It took me a couple of days to get used to my new surroundings.
我花了好幾天才習慣新的環境。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
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guardian
[ˋgɑrdɪən]
n. 守護者，保衛者；（法定）監護人
=
defender
The US views itself as the guardian of the values of democracy.
美國自許為民主價值的捍衛者。
Nancy’s uncle became her guardian after her parents died in an airplane crash.
父母死於空難之後，南希的叔叔成了她的監護人。
高中 Level 4
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owl
[aʊl]
n. 貓頭鷹
Owls have large eyes and hunt at night. 貓頭鷹有一雙大眼，在夜間獵食。
高中 Level 3
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a barn owl
n. 西倉鴞
●
nocturnal
[nɑkˋtɝn!]
a. 夜間活動的
●
prey
[pre]
n. 獵物（集合名詞，不可數）
vi. 捕食
=
predator
Eagles prey on small animals for food.
老鷹會捕食小動物。
Rabbits and squirrels are often prey for larger animals.
兔子和松鼠通常是大型動物的獵物。
Ironically, human beings today are falling prey to unrestrained economic development.
諷刺的是，人類如今漸漸成了毫無節制的經濟發展的受害者。
高中 Level 5
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eyesight
[ˋaɪ͵saɪt]
n. 視力（不可數）
John has had poor eyesight ever since he was born.
約翰自出生視力就很差。
高中 Level 6
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remarkable
[rɪˋmɑrkəb!]
a. 了不起的，非凡的
=
wonderful
=
unusual
Joe’s performance in the speech contest was truly remarkable.
喬在演講比賽的表現實在了不起。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
Practical Phrases
●
prevent... from + N/V-ing
預防⋯⋯免於⋯⋯
You should put the meat into the fridge to prevent it from going bad.
你應該把肉放到冰箱裡以防它壞掉。
●
It is no wonder that + S + V
難怪⋯⋯
Owen didn’t wear a jacket yesterday. It is no wonder that he caught a cold.
歐文昨天沒穿外套。難怪他會感冒。
請圈選出最適當的選項以完成句子 ❶ Jerry drew a picture of a bird with bright red and blue (figures / fences / feathers). ❷ The festival’s main (service / quality / feature) is the parade presenting different cultural traditions. ❸ From the top of the mountain, we could (emphasize / observe / approach) the view of the valley below.
