Species Profile
Snowy Owl
Bubo scandiacus
Snowy Owl
Quick Facts
Conservation
VUVulnerableAlso known as: Arctic Owl, Great White Owl
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Appearance
The Snowy Owl is a large, striking bird with predominantly white plumage. Males are often nearly pure white, while females and juveniles have varying amounts of dark barring. Their large, round heads lack ear tufts, and they have piercing yellow eyes.
Adults typically measure 52-71 cm in length with a wingspan of 126-145 cm. Females are larger and have more extensive dark barring than males. In winter, their thick feathers provide excellent insulation against harsh Arctic conditions.
Feet and legs are covered in dense feathers, and claws are sharp and black.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- White
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- White
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Snowy Owls breed in the Arctic tundra across North America, Europe, and Asia. Their breeding range extends from Alaska and northern Canada to Greenland, Scandinavia, and Siberia. They prefer open, treeless landscapes with good visibility.
In winter, some Snowy Owls migrate south to southern Canada and the northern United States, with occasional visitors in the UK and northern Europe. They can be found in coastal areas, grasslands, and even airports, which resemble their tundra habitat.
Distribution
Diet
Snowy Owls primarily hunt small mammals, especially lemmings, voles and hares. In winter, mice and rats become more important. They also prey on birds, including ptarmigan and waterfowl, including geese, ducks and grebes.
These versatile hunters can catch fish and will opportunistically feed on carrion, including walrus, seal, and fox carcasses. Their diet varies seasonally and geographically based on prey availability.
Behaviour
Snowy Owls are primarily diurnal, unlike most owl species. They often perch on elevated spots to survey their surroundings. These owls are known for their silent, low flight when hunting, using their keen eyesight and hearing to locate prey.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate flight displays to attract mates.
Calls & Sounds
Snowy Owls are generally quiet outside the breeding season. Males produce a loud, booming "hoo, hoo" call during courtship, which can be heard up to 10 km away. Females have a higher-pitched call.
When alarmed, they may emit a raspy "kre-kre-kre" or a loud, barking "rick-rick-rick" sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Snowy Owls typically begins in May. Males establish territories and perform aerial displays to attract females. They often reuse nesting sites from previous years if successful.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, usually on slightly elevated areas for good visibility. Females lay 3-11 eggs, depending on food availability. The eggs are creamy white, with no markings, and measure about 57 x 45 mm. However, as nesting progresses, eggs become stained by the soil from the nest bowl.
Incubation lasts 31-33 days, by the female, while the male provides food. Chicks fledge at about 7 weeks but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation
Snowy Owls face threats from climate change, which affects their Arctic breeding grounds and prey availability. Collisions with vehicles and human structures during winter migrations are also significant risks.
Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and reducing human-related mortality.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Snowy Owls in open, treeless areas like fields or coastal dunes
- Scan the tops of poles, fence posts, or small hills for perched owls
- Visit northern coastal areas in winter for better chances of sightings
- Be patient and use binoculars or a spotting scope for distant viewing
- Respect the owl's space and avoid approaching too closely
Did You Know?
- Snowy Owls have excellent hearing and can locate prey under thick snow.
- They can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees.
- Snowy Owls sometimes hunt by walking on the ground to catch prey.
- Sightings are unusual, although one particular spot that welcomes winter visitors each year is Logan Airport in Boston, where up to 23 individuals were counted in one year.
- In captivity, they can live for up to 28 years.
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