STATUSLeast Concern
COMMON NAME (SCIENTIFIC NAME)Bubo scandiacus
DIETPrimarily small mammals, occasionally small birds
RANGENorthern hemisphere
HABITATCold environments, typically snow-covered areas
Snowy Owls are found in most of the northern hemisphere. Needing insulation from the Arctic temperatures, snowy owls have quite a few feathers. This trait makes them one of the heaviest owl species in North America. Unlike most owls that only hunt at night, snowy owls are diurnal, meaning that they hunt during the day.
Female snowy owls are larger than males and are speckled with black spots. Young males will also have black spots but will become all white when they mature. The white plumage acts as camouflage in their often snow-covered environment.
Snowy owls are carnivorous. They prey mainly on small mammals such as lemming, but may also take other birds.
Our snowy owl’s name is Yeti.