Snowy Owl
Nyctea scandiaca
Conservation Status
VulnerableAves · 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 are the heaviest owls in North America, and unlike most owls they are largely diurnal — they hunt during the 24-hour Arctic daylight of summer, catching up to a dozen lemmings per day.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Arctic tundra
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
10-15 years
Threats
- Climate Change
- Contaminant Accumulation
- Oil and Gas Exploration