Snowy Owl
Bubo scandiacus
Aves › Strigiformes › Strigidae › Bubo
Conservation status: vulnerable
The Snowy Owl is a large white Arctic owl with distinctive dark barring and bright yellow eyes that make it unmistakable even in its snowy habitat. Unlike most owls, it hunts primarily during daylight hours and travels far south during harsh winters, making it one of the few owls that people in temperate regions might spot.
How To Identify
This substantial owl features brilliant white plumage that provides perfect camouflage against snowdrifts. It has a broad head relative to its body, strikingly large yellow eyes, and powerful talons built for striking prey.
Habitat
The Snowy Owl breeds in open Arctic tundra and winters on open farmland, marshes, and coastlines.
Behaviour
Diurnal hunter in the 24-hour Arctic summer; hunts lemmings almost exclusively when breeding.
Native Range
Snowy owls are native to the Arctic regions of both North America and the Palearctic, breeding mostly on the tundra.
Did You Know?
Snowy Owls can locate prey under 60 cm of snow using hearing alone.
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