Common Name: Snowy Owl
Scientific Name: Bubo scandiacus
Family: Strigidae – True Owl family
Body Size: 20 – 28 inches (50.8 – 71.12 cm)
Wingspan: 4.2 – 4.8 feet (1.28 – 1.46 m)
One of the most iconic arctic species is the Snowy Owl. These owls are active during the day, differing from most other owl species. They are often found sitting on the ground in treeless, wide open spaces. They use these spaces for their advantage while hunting. The main food for the owl is lemmings when they are in the arctic. They will also eat various small mammals and birds. In the winter months, the Snowy Owl may travel south for the winter. They have even traveled so far south to Florida.
The male Snowy Owl is almost pure white color, while the female owl have spotted brownish – black coloring.
The birds mate during the summer months in the summer from May to June. The birds make a nest straight on the ground. The female lays between 3 – 11 eggs. The female owl broods the eggs while the male hunts for food for the female.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorizes the Snowy Owl as Vulnerable to Extinction. Their population numbers continue to drop in North America.