Bubo scandiacus
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.
Length
52cm to 71cm
Wingspan
126cm to 145cm
Weight
1.6kg to 2.95kg
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White
Secondary Colour
Brown Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
White
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 300 meters
Arctic, Subarctic, Temperate
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Snowy Owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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