The Perfect Aerial Predator for the Arctic: Snowy Owls
Ranked #330 in Animals, #8,209 overall | Donates to National Wildlife Federation's Alaska Regional Center
The Silent, Tranquil, and Elusive Snowy Owl
Though the Snowy Owl is globally known, not much is known about their global population. Ongoing research will help tell more about these animals.
Be sure to add your sighting to the Guestbook at the bottom to document your Snowy Owl sighting! Intro photo by Fool on the Hill.
Snowy Owl Information on this Page:
Click on a link to take you directly to that part of the page!
- Where are Snowy Owls from?
- What do Snowy Owls Look Like?
- Owl "Ears"
- Snowy Owls Photos
- Snowy Owl Poll
- Snowy Owls in the Tundra
- Snowy Owls Have Adapted for Tough Conditions!
- Snowy Owls on the Web
- What do Snowy Owls Eat?
- Snowy Owl Videos
- Snowy Owl Satellite Tracking
- Breeding Facts of the Snowy Owl
- Help save snowy owls from harmful Arctic drilling.
- Snowy Owl Food: Lemmings
- Snowy Owl News
- How can you Help the Snowy Owl?
- Help the Snowy Owls!
- Have you Ever Seen a Snowy Owl?
Where are Snowy Owls from?
Where the Snowy breeds and migrates
Snowy Owls - (Bubo Scandiacus, previously Nyctea Scandiaca)
Snowy Owls are a bird native to the unwelcoming, icy Arctic Tundra. In the months of warmer months of summer, these owls will stay within the Arctic Circle range. In the winter, the owls will migrate south to Canada, Russia, Greenland, Finland, Norway, France, and Scotland. They often visit the Great Plains of the Midwestern US. Some very rare cases documented migration in Florida, Texas, and internationally, South America and Bermuda. While venturing away from their home grounds, they typically will seek out areas similar to the Arctic tundra--wide open expanses, marshes, farms. Snowy Owls are seldom found in thick, tree-filled areas.
What do Snowy Owls Look Like?
The appearance of this beautiful bird!
These magnificent birds are typically white with brown markings, and bright yellow and black eyes. The male snowy owls are smaller and have fewer markings then their larger female counterparts, which can be substantially darker and larger.
In the distance...a duck. In the foreground...a hungry swooping Snowy Owl!
Owl "Ears"
The function of Snowy Owl tufts
Once thought of by many as tuft-less owls, they have now been categorized in the same family as the Great Horned Owls. Though the snowy owls tufts (or ears, as some people may refer to them) are not always erect, they can be seen on occasion. You may be thinking this behavior these is related to hearing, but that doesn't seem to be true! However, they do seem to become erect when they get irritated.Snowy Owls typically are around 23-26" and between 40-70 ounces. A banding system helps keep track of some Snowy Owls across the world, but there are only so many volunteers and workers to keep track of this! Since this bird is so secretive, this makes your first-hand accounts even more important.
Snowy Owl Poll
Picture by doviende
It's not easy to see a snowy owl, especially if you don't live near their migratory areas. Be sure to describe any sightings you've had of Snowy Owls in our guestbook below, as well as voting here!
Snowy Owls in the Tundra
Snowy Owls Have Adapted for Tough Conditions!
The toughest predator in the Arctic?
Based on their habitat, Snowy Owls are generally seen perched on the ground, resembling flat grassy tundra area. An interesting adaptation for snowy owls is related to there being no trees in the Arctic for roosting. Therefore a snowy owl, like all owls, must stay alert and is never truly in a deep sleep. Since they roost on the ground, this is a large factor in why they must remain so alert. Snowys are constantly moving their head, checking out their surroundings ensuring that there are no predators nearby that may be looking to prey on them.
Feathers
They also have small, super-fine feathers. These are so fine, in fact, that some people may think that it is fur. This helps give them the ability to withstand very cold temperatures. The feathers extend down the foot and toes of these birds to protect their feet from the icy grassland they call home. They have long pointed wings and hunt similar to falcons, taking prey on the wing.
Like Vice Grips!
Snowys have super-strong toes to catch and crush their prey...around 200 pounds of pressure per toe! They're fast, too, for an owl-- around 70 mph!
Snowy Owls on the Web
Check out these useful and informative Snowy Owl links!
- Arctic Studies Center
- The Arctic Studies Center invites you to explore the history of northern peoples, cultures, and environments and the issues that matter to northern residents today.
- The Owl Pages
- Owls have fascinated man from time immemorial - to some cultures they are symbols of wisdom, while to others they are harbingers of doom and death. Here, The Owl Pages sheds some light on these mysterious creatures...
- Snowy Owls on Wikipedia
- The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large owl of the typical owl family Strigidae. It is also known in North America as the Arctic Owl or the Great White Owl.
- Pictures of Snowy Owls
- Check out SNOWIES, a short film (12 mins) about snowy owls by Elliot Kennerson that is free to view online for anybody. Denver Holt, one of Montana's foremost owl researchers, appears in the film. The film documents an unusually large congregation of owls in northwestern Montana in 2006.
What do Snowy Owls Eat?
The range of diet for the Snowy
Snowy Owl Videos
See this majestic bird in flight!
Snowy Owl Satellite Tracking
Keeping track of Snowy Owls to learn more about this mysterious bird
Not much is know about the global population of this species, so they are currently not labeled endangered. Satellite tracking will help us tell more about this elusive species. Snowy Owls are a federally protected species under the migratory bird act. See the links below for more information.
- Satellite tracking of Norwegian Snowy Owls
- Snowy owls equipped with satellite transmitters in 1999 in Barrow, Alaska, crossed the Bering Strait the following autumn and spent the next summer along the Russian Arctic coast. One year later they were back in Arctic Canada! Due to the satellite transmitters of Albertine, Høst and Yngvar we now have the opportunity to find out if Scandinavian snowy owls participate in the same kind of long migrations between breeding seasons.
- Donate to the Snowy Owl Project
- Help get more satellite trackers on Snowy Owls so more can be learned about this elusive species! Visit this page, and be sure to specify "Snowy Owl Project" as the project you wish to support when donating!
Breeding Facts of the Snowy Owl
Where the Snowy breeds & how often
Snowy owls breed in the Arctic Circle range, often in Alaska. Barrow, Alaska has been a huge Snowy breeding ground. In a lifetime, females will breed 1-9 chicks. If prey is scarce, they will not breed that year and wait it out until the next year. Eggs will be incubated in rotations to ensure different hatch times, therefore increasing the chance of survival. Snowys will have different mates each year, and do not mate for life.
A Snowy Owl from the backside gazing out on the open water for prey
Unique Snowy Owl Merchandise
Items for owl lovers
Snowy Owl Wall Clock
A beautiful Snowy Owl in flight over a night background on this wall clock.
Price: 24.99 
Snowy Owl Ornament (Round)
A close-up shot of the Snowy Owl on this round Christmas ornament.
Price: 8.99
Snowy Owl Landing, Mousepad
The perfect depiction of a Snowy Owl landing, something to see!
Price: 15.99
Help save snowy owls from harmful Arctic drilling.
Adopt a Snowy Owl!
With your $25 adotpion, you receive...
6" Tall Snowy Owl Plush
Personalized Certificate of Adoption
5x7 Snowy Owl Photo
Snowy Owl Fact Sheet
Click here to Adopt a Snowy Owl
Photo by hisgett
The perfect lookout to spot the next meal for this Snowy Owl
Recommended Snowy Owl Books
Read more about this amazing Arctic bird!
Snowy Owl Food: Lemmings
One of the Snowy's favorite forms of nutrition!
Picture by kgleditsch
Lemmings are one of the biggest food sources for the Snowy Owls while they are in the Arctic region (a truly essential part of the food chain!).
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Lemmings: Falling into the Sea of Knowledge
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When the winds start to howl and the snow begins to blow you can capture your student's attention with this innovative Arctic Unit Study focusing on lemmings. Your little lemmings will be excited to learn with a theme that includes little furry crea...
Snowy Owl News
The latest news on Snowy Owls updated every 30 minutes...
- Raptors descend on Melrose
- A flock of saber-beaked birds of prey including Hedwig, the snowy owl from the Harry Potter movies, will be winging it to Melrose this summer. ...
- Photographer of the Week
- Little did I know I would spend the entire winter with other snowy owls at very close range. Example: I was spending hours watching another snowy owl when a ...
- NFTT09 - Netroots for the Troops - Perfection
- Subspecies: The Snowy Owl has no subspecies divisions. I think they short-changed the 'tail' length, but that's about right. Of course, I'm a bit biased ...
- Seniors' home-based care could be cut
- Indoors beside the front window is a host of robust African violets, and everywhere you turn, owls. Her collection includes a tabletop display of snowy owls ...
How can you Help the Snowy Owl?
Ways to help out the Snowy Owl...
How Will Global Warming Affect Snowy Owls?
Loss of habitat due to rising sea levels will surely not be to Snowy Owls' advantage. Be sure to read the World Wildlife Federation's recommendations on stopping global warming.
Picture by Fool on the Hill
Help the Snowy Owls!
To help them, we need to learn more about them! Help by donating to the Snowy Owl Satellite Tracking Project!
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Have you Ever Seen a Snowy Owl?
Tell us about your encounter with this bird here!
Like Snowy Owls? Have you seen one and would like to share the experience? Help document them by telling us about your sightings! Just want to say hello? Drop a line here!
Do you have a Snowy Owl picture of your own you'd like featured here? Contact us and we can possibly include the picture along with a link to your page right here!
JenOfChicago wrote...
I would love to see one someday... seems like I might have a chance in my neighbor state of Michigan?
Posted July 01, 2009
jmsp206 wrote...
Fantastic lens just loved It! What a beautiful bird and I would love to see one oneday!
Posted July 01, 2009
jaye3000 wrote...
They're so beautiful~ I want one! :) Excellent job on your lens, five stars as usual lol :)
Posted June 30, 2009
Margaret_Schaut wrote...
I've long been a fan of your lenses, and your community work here at Squidoo, but I have to say this is one of my favorite pages! Be sure to add all your animal pages to the SquiZoo group! Blessed and the works!
Posted May 20, 2009
aj2008 wrote...
What a beautiful lens. This family absolutely adores owls! I wonder if it may get even more traffic if you were to add a module about the most famous snowy owl in the world (as in Harry Potter)???
Blessed by an angel who would love to have wings like a snowy owl!
Posted April 24, 2009
mukunda22 wrote...
Believe it or not, I saw a Snowy Owl in Lancaster Pa--It flew at my window as I was speaking to my brother on the phone about my recently deceased mom, about 20 years ago. Gave me the thrill of my life.
Several weeks later I was pondering this experience and thinking about my mom when a book fell inexplicably off the bookshelf.
It was a bird book and was opened to the page about the Snowy Owl.
Great lens about a Mighty Powerful Bird.
Posted April 20, 2009
Ruth wrote
A few years ago I saw a Snowy Owl peeping out of a large hole in a tree about 20 feet up from the ground. This was right in the middle of town on the hospital property near Fountain Lake. It was a beautiful sight to see. There are very nice pictures on this lens. You are doing a great job.
Posted January 25, 2009
Graceonline wrote...
What beautiful images! I've never seen one, may never be near their habitat, and wouldn't want to see one in captivity, so thank you for this lens. Lovingly done, well-structured and written. Thank you, too, for including information and links about the effects of global warming.
Posted January 24, 2009
Ken wrote
I was fortunate to see two snowy owls on Assateague Island National Seashore last week and did capture a few images. If you are interested the photos can be seen at: www.kencongerphotography.com
Blue Skies!
Posted January 24, 2009
JustBon-Crochet-Designs wrote...
Beautiful creatures and equally beautiful photographs :) 5*s
Posted January 19, 2009
lakeerieartists wrote...
I have a watercolor painting that I did of a snowy owl. If you want a copy for this lens, let me know and I will send it to you. Love them.
Posted January 19, 2009
debnet wrote...
Beautiful lens abouit a beautiful creature 5 hooting stars for you!
Posted January 17, 2009
JaguarJulie wrote...
I learned something new -- "Snowy owls typically feed on lemmings, mice and rats, though it has been documented that they will prey on black ducks, Canadian Geese, short eared owls, American Kestrels, Starlings, Great Blue Herons, and even other Snowy Owls!" OMG, I seriously had NO idea that they had such an appetite!!!
Posted January 16, 2009
ArtByLinda wrote...
Kiwi, those pictures are so beautiful, as are the snowy owls, very nicely done!
Posted January 16, 2009
HomeTowne_Market wrote...
So Beautiful! Very informative and the pic were perfect. Great lens!
Posted January 16, 2009
Shelly wrote
Hi, ou were just over to visit Tipi, so I followed you home and found that you have a bunch of topics I'm sure to enjoy. I have seen 5 Sowy Owls over the years. They are so magnificent that you never forget--my first one was when I was about 7 and I saw one last year--that is almost 50 years apart. Very nice lens you have here!
Posted December 10, 2008
snaz wrote...
Stunning, beautiful and stealthy creatures.
Living in the US, Northern Midwest (WI) I saw a magnificent Snowy Owl swoop, silently within feet overhead once as a teen.
It was an amazing experience that has stuck vividly in my memory.
It was a cold, moonlit winters night. Perfectly calm. Perfectly still...
Posted December 05, 2008
dc64 wrote...
Oh my gosh, they are so pretty! Thanks for the work you've put into this. Superb!
Posted November 08, 2008
Crichtonslover wrote...
Amazing creatures! I never thought a small bird like this could prey on Heron and Geese! Beautiful though. :)
Posted November 02, 2008
K_Linda wrote...
Very nice lens! I have never seen a snowy owl, but they sure look beautiful from the photos. Thanks for your emphasis on conservation. 5*'s.
Posted November 02, 2008
naturegirl7 wrote...
Fabulous lens. I have lensrolled it to Halloween - Why Cats, Bats.... Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.
Posted October 30, 2008
kiwisoutback wrote...
They are predators to lemmings, small rodents, birds, even artic foxes. the predator of the snowy owl includes humans, a sneaky artic fox perhaps.
Posted June 11, 2008
sydney wrote
What is the snowy owl a predator to? hmm...i wonder...
Posted June 05, 2008
CLC wrote
We are doing a project on this. it is helpful
Posted June 02, 2008
Great lens, very informative, I really appreciate your effort.
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secret affiliate code
Posted May 23, 2008
LaraineRose wrote...
I live in the B.C. in the Okanagan Valley. A male snow owl killed a robin which I had been watching. It happened in early springtime last year. Boy, was he fast! That Robin didn't have a chance. I enjoyed your lens. 5 stars, favorite, fan and lensrolled to my lens.
Posted May 20, 2008
NooNoo wrote...
Great lens, very informative, thanks
John
Email Marketing Elite"
Posted April 20, 2008
EliteClubs wrote...
This lens is great, very informative, thank you.
Eliteclubs
Email Marketing Elite
Posted April 17, 2008
dtbs wrote...
such a beautiful bird! great lens! please check mine out at squidoo.com/dtbs
Posted April 17, 2008
Evelyn_Saenz wrote...
Though we are terrified to visit the Lemmings believe that you have done a great job on this lens and want to let you know that there is a new group being formed in Squidooville. It's called A Walk in the Woods.
The exposure that your lens gets by joining will boost your lens rank and add to the number of web pages linking to your lens. Come take A Walk in the Woods.
Posted March 28, 2008
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
Great Lens! I love studying the birds of prey, but the Snowy Owl is one I never expect to see.
Good Job!
Posted March 18, 2008
beesknees-23 wrote...
Kiwi, another beautiful & immformative lens! Five paws up from Our Gang!!
Posted March 12, 2008
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Thanks for Stopping By!
by kiwisoutback
The Snowy is a beautiful, elusive bird. To see how you can help, visit the Snowy Owl Telemetry Project page!
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