Snowy Owl

The Snowy Owl (*Bubo scandiacus*) is a large Arctic owl known for its mostly white plumage and yellow eyes.

The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large Arctic owl known for its mostly white plumage and yellow eyes. It breeds in the far north of North America and Eurasia and may move south in winter when food is scarce. Snowy owls are a familiar species in Arctic and northern Canada, including Labrador and other northern regions, and they are widely recognized as an emblematic northern bird in Canadian natural history.

Description

The snowy owl is a large, mostly white owl with a rounded head, bright yellow eyes, and heavily feathered feet. Females and young birds usually show more dark markings than adult males.

Habitat and range

Snowy owls live in Arctic tundra and other open northern landscapes across circumpolar regions. In winter, some birds move south into Canada, the northern United States, Europe, and Asia when prey availability changes.

Feeding and behaviour

Snowy owls hunt lemmings most often, but they also take other small mammals, birds, and occasionally fish or carrion. They often watch for prey from the ground or a low perch and may hunt during the day, especially while breeding.

Breeding

Snowy owls nest on the ground in open areas of the tundra. Breeding is linked to Arctic conditions and prey abundance, particularly lemming populations.

Conservation

The species is generally regarded as not globally threatened, but some sources report declines or concern in parts of its range. Snowy owls are protected from trapping and shooting in many regions.