Snowy Owls: The Perfect Aerial Predator for the Arctic

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The Silent, Tranquil, and Elusive Snowy Owl

Snowy Owls...they're elusive, secretive, and a silent predator. Only a handful of animals can exist in the frigid, bleak Arctic region. The Snowy Owl has adapted to this open, perilous environment perfectly.

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 of Snowy Owl by Fool on the Hill.

Where are Snowy Owls from?

Where the Snowy breeds and migrates

Snowy Owls


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.

Snowy Owl, November 2001
Snowy Owl in flight

What do Snowy Owls Look Like?

The appearance of this beautiful bird!

Snowy Owl Photo courtesy Brian HawkesThese 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.
snowy owl chasing duck

In the distance...a duck. In the foreground...a hungry swooping Snowy Owl! 

Owl "Ears"

The function of Snowy Owl tufts

Snowy Owl up-closeOnce 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.

Tundra-Solitary Snowy Owl
Snowy Owl painting, Tundra Solitary Owl

Snowy Owls Photos

Snowy Owl Chick by Stevie-B
curated content from Flickr

Snowy Owl Poll

Snowy owl on the shore
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!

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snowy owl chicks in the tundra

Snowy Owls in the Tundra 

Snowy Owls Have Adapted for Tough Conditions!

The toughest predator in the Arctic?

Arctic Tundra


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

Snowy Owl Feather, Courtesy of the Owl Prowl



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!

Snowy Owl Talons, Courtesy of Paws.org



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 Owl

Snowy Owls on the Web

Check out these useful and informative Snowy Owl links!

Here are more Snowy Owl links on the web!

Snowy Owl Photo courtesy of NRDC

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 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!

Canadian Goose: Snowy Owl Food?

Snowy Owl Videos

See this majestic bird in flight!

Snowy Owl
by alexanderlees | video info

25 ratings | 14,826 views
curated content from YouTube

Snowy Owl Satellite Tracking

Keeping track of Snowy Owls to learn more about this mysterious bird

There are currently several projects being conducted in the United States studying the migrating patterns and breeding habits of the snowy owls. Some researchers have started using satellite telemetry to track Snowy Owls. to track these beautiful creatures between their wintering grounds and their breeding grounds.

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.

Snowy Owl Tracking (see the transmitter?)

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 Owl Chicks, courtesy Arctic Explorers (click image)


snowy owl chickPhoto right: by Steve B.
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

Click through any of these items to find more unique Snowy themed decor like t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers and decor.

Snowy Owl Wall Clock

A beautiful Snowy Owl in flight over a night background on this wall clock.

Price: Buy Now

HEDWIG THE OWL Journal

An all black journal with a Snowy Owl on the front mid-flight.

Price: Buy Now

Snowy Owl Ornament (Round)

A close-up shot of the Snowy Owl on this round Christmas ornament.

Price: Buy Now

Snowy Owl Landing, Mousepad

The perfect depiction of a Snowy Owl landing, something to see!

Price: Buy Now

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Help save snowy owls from harmful Arctic drilling.

Adopt a Snowy Owl!

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

Snowy owl and chick
Photo by hisgett

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The perfect lookout to spot the next meal for this Snowy Owl 

Recommended Snowy Owl Books

Read more about this amazing Arctic bird!

Read up more on Snowy Owls with these Amazon books!
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Snowy Owl Food: Lemmings

One of the Snowy's favorite forms of nutrition!

lemmings
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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Hedwig the Owl - Featured in Harry Potter

The famous Snowy Owl from the Harry Potter films

You might recognize the famous Snowy Owl featured in the Harry Potter films, though don't expect the real owls to behave like Hedwig does.
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Snowy Owl News

The latest news on Snowy Owls updated every 30 minutes...

See what the latest news is on the Snowy Owl!

arctic sea
Photo by wili hybrid

Feeding wild owls may be fun, but it's very harmful
I will never forget the day I was standing knee-deep in the snow in the so-called Owl Woods on Nuns' Island with my right arm stretched up high and my fingers clasping the tail of a store-bought brown mouse. A CBC cameraman stood with his lens pointed ...
Seen any snowy owls lately?
12:14 pm With the promise of snow to come, there is a smidge of excitement at the thought of wrapping hands... This snowy owl was spotted in Hardin County, Ohio, in December. / Photo courtesy of Nina Harfmann Few north central Ohio residents have seen ...
Seen any snowy owls?
This snowy owl was spotted in Hardin County, Ohio, in December. / Photo courtesy of Nina Harfmann SHELBY -- Few north central Ohio residents have seen a snowy owl. Such a sighting is unlikely because these huge birds with five-foot wingspans are ...
Snowy owls flock to Michigan in unusual numbers
A young snowy owl is recovering after it was found injured in Muskegon. / SUSAN TUSA/DETROIT FREE PRESS By Tina Lam Experts say that under no circumstances should humans attempt to feed snowy owls, even though some of them might be starving.

How can you Help the Snowy Owl?

Ways to help out the Snowy Owl...

Snowy Owls are so elusive that it's important to document sightings! This will help establish their range, where they are at certain points of the year, and ultimately, will help determine a global population. Spread the word about Snowy Owls and keep them educated! Please leave any Snowy Owl sightings in the Guestbook at the bottom of this page.

Glaciers



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.

Snowy Owl camouflaged
Picture by Fool on the Hill

Important!

Help the Snowy Owls!

To help them, we need to learn more about them! Help by donating to the Snowy Owl Satellite Tracking Project!

You Might Also Be Interested in These Other Bird Lenses...

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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!

Snowy Owl



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!

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Recommended Owl Books (for more information on the Snowy and other species)

Well reviewed classic and highly informative owl guides

These informative owl guides, childrens books, and owl stories are some of the best ones out there on the Snowy Owl, as well as other owl species.
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Plush Snowy Owl Toys

plush snowy owlsFind beautiful plush Snowy Owl toys from acclaimed makers like Ty, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Webkinz, and Audubon! These Snowy Owl stuffed animals make great gifts for owl lovers, and come in a range of cuddly styles. Scroll down for views of the puppet, Hedwig (from Harry Potter), and other classic and new stuffed animals.

Authentic Bird Sound Plush Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl 6" - Audubon Plush Bird (Authentic Bird Sound)

Amazon Price: $4.66 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

Plush squeeze bird which sounds off the real bird call. Enjoyment for kids and adults alike. 6.00 inches tall x 4.50 inches long x 9.00 inches wide.

Harry Potter Plush Hedwig Owl

Stands 8 inches tall - hurry while supplies last!

Harry Potter Hedwig Plush 8"

Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

Harry Potter Hedwig Plush. This adorable plush measures about 8 inches tall and 7 inches wide. This ultra soft owl captures Harry's pet perfectly and is recommended for ages 8 and older.

Snowy Owl Build-A-Bear Workshop

~ 50% donated to First Book for every purchase!

Build-A-Bear Workshop Turner Owl™ Plush Stuffed Animal

Amazon Price: (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

This stuffed animal owl can turn it's head! For every purchase of Turner Owl we will donate 50% to First Book to provide new books to children from low-income families & 50% to the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation to support other literacy & education programs.

Ty Beanie Baby - Summit the Snow Owl

~ Quality plush stuffed owl from Ty!

Ty Beanie Baby - Summit the Snow Owl

Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

Inside the tag reads: I just love soaring way up high As if my wings could touch the sky Don't worry, I'll swoop down again Because I've spotted you, my friend !

Webkinz Snowy Owl

~ Go online with your virtual pet!

Webkinz Snowy Owl

Amazon Price: $38.95 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

Webkinz pets are very special plush animals. Each Webkinz pet comes with a secret code that allows the owner to log into the website and adopt a virtual version of their pet. With this code as their key, children can join Webkinz World without giving out any personal information such as e-mail, last name or phone number.

Plush Snowy Owls on Auction

Other rare finds on Ebay

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kiwisoutback

The Snowy is a beautiful, elusive bird. To see how you can help, visit the Snowy Owl Telemetry Project page! more »

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