Snowy Owl Facts- Candian Wildlife Education Series

The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) lives in extreme and remote regions of the Arctic Tundra. This bird of prey is also known as the Arctic Owl, Great White Owl and the Harfang. While many remain on their arctic breeding grounds year round, some migrate to winter in Canada and the Northern States in search of food. It is not unusual to find migration occurring some years but not others. As a northern owl this diurnal raptor spends much of its time perched in stillness at look out points to await prey. They are carnivores and are not nocturnal like most owls. Known for their huge wingspan of 50”-60” the Snowy Owl Weighs a mere 60-105 oz. and stands an average of 20”-30” tall. This owl has small ear tufts that remain out of sight. Young males are have dark brown barred markings, which fade to all white as they mature. Females retain some of these marking throughout their lives. The whitest Snowy Owls are generally males and the oldest males are nearly pure white. The plumage coloration and distinctive of the Snowy Owl adds to its distinction. In Europe the Snowy Owl has been depicted in cave paintings.

In the arctic regions the Snowy Owl consumes 3-5 lemmings per day and 1.600 per year. Those who do not reside in the Arctic must capture at least 8-12 mice per day just to survive. This bird is a powerful hunter and opportunistic eater. When lemming is not available they feed on a wide variety of small mammals such as chipmunks, rodents, rabbits, squirrels, fox, raccoon, pheasants, grouse, birds, water birds and fish. They have been known to hunt and feed on raptors other owl species. As opportunistic feeders, they have followed trap lines to feed on large mammals remaining from human hunts. This owl locates prey through sight and sound. As capable hunters they are even able to locate prey in thick grass and deep snow. Snowy owl watch and listen for prey from their perch, then when prey is found they aerial dive to the ground to capture their prey. They seize prey using long sharp talons. They are normally dominant over other birds of prey and other raptors have been known to build their nests close to Snowy Owls to take advantage of their fierce protection of its own territory.

Snowy Owls usually have one breeding partner for life. They nest most commonly in May in the arctic tundra and the far northern regions of the Arctic, Canada and northern Eurasia. When tundra areas are not available they are attracted to coastal dunes and prairie areas that most closely resemble the tundra. It is however a nomadic bird and when food sources fluctuate they have been forced to relocate to avoid starvation. Those that migrate occasionally set up breeding grounds in their new location, rather than returning to their original arctic homeland. They select a site with little snow, close access to food and good visibility. Males become very territorial during courtship and breeding season and their display includes threatening postures, load hoots and puffing out their throats. Both female and male Snowy Owls defend the nest from threats and predators. They winter in fields and beaches. Females nest on the ground by digging out rounded depressions on mounds of earth. Females lay 3-14 white eggs and the young are born with eyes closed and bodies of white down. Individual eggs are laid every other day, giving the female a chance to rest. The young are raised by both parents and some stay on the breeding grounds, while others migrate.

The Snowy Owl was first discovered and classified in 1758 by a Swedish naturalist.

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