Snowy Owl
NameSnowy Owl
Common NameSnowy Owl
Scientific NameBubo scandiacus
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)150
Length (cm)59
Weight (g)2275
Plumage DetailsAdults are predominantly white. Males are often pure white, while females and juveniles have varying amounts of dark barring and spotting, especially on the crown, back, and wings. Their legs and feet are heavily feathered, providing insulation.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include deep, resonant hoots, often in series of two to six. They also produce harsh alarm calls, hisses, and clacking sounds, particularly when agitated or defending a nest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstundra, open fields, coastal dunes, prairies, agricultural lands
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeBreeds in the Arctic tundra across North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters south of the breeding range, sometimes irrupting far south into temperate regions of North America and Eurasia, often found in open landscapes resembling their tundra home.
Identifying Featureslarge size, predominantly white plumage, bright yellow eyes, round head without ear tufts, diurnal hunting behavior, dark barring (especially on females and juveniles)
Description
A large, distinctive white owl with bright yellow eyes, often seen perched in open areas. Unlike most owls, they are largely diurnal, hunting during the day, especially in the continuous daylight of the Arctic summer. They are known for their nomadic movements and occasional irruptions far south of their typical range.
