Snowy Owl (Bubo Scandiacus)

The Snowy Owl is a majestic bird found in the arctic tundra. These unique birds are well known for their beautiful plumage and white color. Despite their beauty, these owls are very fierce predators and are not afraid to take on larger prey.

In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of the Snowy Owl. We will discuss their ecology, behavior, and conservation status.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Strigiformes
Family	Strigidae
Genus	Bubo
Scientific Name	Bubo Scandiacus

Facts

Type	Bird
Common Name	Snowy owl
Other Names	Great white owl, Ermine owl, Tundra owl
Name of Young	Owlets
Number of Species	None
Social Behavior	Solitary and territorial
Group Name	Parliament
Diet	Carnivores
Prey	Lemmings, arctic hare, mice, seabirds, ducks
Favorite Food	Lemmings
Activity Pattern	Diurnal
Biggest Threat	Global warming
Predators	Foxes and wolves
Distribution	Northern circumpolar region
Habitat	Arctic
Est. Population Size	200,000 adults gobally
Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Lifespan	10+ years

Physical Characteristics

Height	27 inches
Weight	40 to 70 ounces
Color	White birds with varying amounts of black and brown markings
Skin type	Feathers
Wingspan	4 to 5 feet
Top speed	46 mph

Snowy Owl Pictures

Snowy owls are beautiful and majestic creatures. They are one of the largest owl species in the world with wide wingspans and distinguishable white feathers.

5 Interesting Facts About Snowy Owls 

Snowy owls are interesting animals that deserve everyone’s attention. Here are a few interesting facts about them that you’ll definitely find interesting.

1. Snowy owls have a lot of thick feathers. Their feathers provide insulation so they don’t freeze in the artic regions^[1].
2. They swallow small preys whole. Snowy owls have to eat a lot of small prey in order to survive. They can’t afford to spend time tearing their food apart with their beaks. Instead, they swallow it whole. This way, they can get back to hunting as quickly as possible.
3. They track lemmings. Snowy owls rely on their keen sense of sight to track their prey. And what better prey to track than lemmings? Lemmings are small, plentiful, and relatively easy to catch.
4. Male snowy owls have pale-colored feathers. One of the reasons why male snowy owls have pale-colored feathers is because they need to be able to stay cool in the Arctic sun. The lighter color reflects more sunlight than darker colors, which helps keep the owl’s body temperature down.
5. Snowy owls prefer areas with barely any trees. This makes it easier for them to spot their prey. Without trees in the way, they can see everything that’s going on around them. This helps them hunt more efficiently and catch more prey.

Snowy Owl Classification and Evolution

Genetic testing showed results that the snowy owls may have branched out from related species approximately 4 million years ago. They’re also most closely related to the great horned owl.^[2]

Snowy owls are well-adapted to the cold climate and have a symbiotic relationship with other Arctic animals like polar bears and arctic foxes. They are also important predators in the Arctic and help keep the population of other animals in check.

Snowy Owl Identification and Appearance

These owls have a round head, yellow eyes, and a black beak^[3]. Their wings are long and broad, and they have long tails. Snowy owls are one of the largest owl species in North America. They can weigh up to 4 pounds and have a wingspan of up to 5 feet.

Snowy Owl Distribution and Habitat

While they are typically found in the arctic, they have been known to migrate to other parts of the world during the winter months. Snowy owls typically live in open areas near the tundra or prairies.

Snowy Owl Behaviour and Lifestyle

Snowy Owls are monogamous birds and both the male and female take care of the young. Once the chicks hatch, the parents will continue to care for them until they are able to fly and hunt on their own. This usually takes about six weeks.

Snowy Owls are very territorial birds. They will aggressively defend their territory from other owls and predators.

Snowy Owl Diet

In some cases, snowy owls have been known to eat birds, including seagulls and ptarmigans. They are also known to scavenge on garbage dumps.

Snowy owls are very opportunistic hunters and will take whatever prey is available to them^[4]. Their diet is entirely made up of meat. They usually hunt by sitting in a stationary spot and waiting for their prey to come to them. However, they can also fly in pursuit of prey if necessary.

Snowy Owl Predators and Threat

Snowy Owls are also threatened by human activities, such as hunting and habitat destruction. Wolves also hunt snowy owls when given the opportunity.

Snowy Owl Life Cycle and Lifespan

They reach sexual maturity at around 2 years old and start breeding at around 3 years old. The female Snowy Owl lays 2-5 eggs, and both the male and female help to incubate the eggs. The owl chicks hatch after about 28 days and are cared for by both parents until they are able to fly and hunt on their own.

The Snowy Owl’s breeding season varies depending on the location. But it typically occurs between May and September in the northern hemisphere.

Snowy Owl Population and Conservation Status

There are fewer than 200,000 adults remaining globally. Although they’re not yet endangered, the IUCN currently classifies the snowy owl as vulnerable. That’s why several organizations have created conservation plans to help protect this iconic bird.