Snowy Owl (Bubo)
Bubo scandiacus
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedAves · Strigiformes · Strigidae
About
The snowy owl, also known as the polar owl, the white owl and the Arctic owl, is a large, white owl of the true owl family. Snowy owls are native to the Arctic regions of both North America and the Palearctic, breeding mostly on the tundra. It has a number of unique adaptations to its habitat and lifestyle, which are quite distinct from other extant owls. One of the largest species of owl, it is the only owl with mainly white plumage. Males tend to be a purer white overall while females tend to have more extensive flecks of dark brown. Juvenile male snowy owls have dark markings and may appear similar to females until maturity, at which point they typically turn whiter. The composition of brown markings about the wing, although not foolproof, is the most reliable technique for aging and sexing individual snowy owls.
Fun Fact
Snowy owls can eat over 1,600 lemmings per year, and unlike most owls they're largely diurnal — adapted to hunt during the 24-hour daylight of the Arctic summer.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Arctic tundra and open grasslands
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
10-17 years
Threats
- Overgrazing
- Illegal Wildlife Trade
- Urban Expansion