Snowy Owl

A Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large, majestic owl native to the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are easily recognizable by their white plumage and are one of the few owl species that are active during the day.

The Snowy Owl is a large and powerful bird. Adult males are almost completely white, while females and juveniles have dark bars and spots on their feathers. This white coloration provides excellent camouflage against the snowy Arctic landscape. They have a round head with no ear tufts, and their feet are heavily feathered, which helps them stay warm and allows them to hunt in the deep snow.

Snowy Owls are found in the Arctic tundra and are highly nomadic, following their food sources. Their diet consists almost exclusively of small mammals, particularly lemmings. They are expert hunters, often perching on a low mound or rock and waiting patiently before swooping down on their prey.

Unlike many other birds, Snowy Owls do not have a fixed migratory pattern. Instead, they will move south in winter in search of food. In some years, when lemming populations are low in the Arctic, large numbers of Snowy Owls will move south, a phenomenon known as an irruption. These irruptions can bring them as far south as the central United States, providing a rare opportunity for people to see these magnificent birds outside of their usual range.