Snowy Owl

Identification

The snowy owl is one of the largest species of owl and the only owl with mainly white plumage. Males tend to be a purer white overall, while females display more extensive flecks of dark brown. Juvenile male snowy owls have dark markings and may appear similar to females until maturity, at which point they typically turn whiter. The composition of brown markings about the wing, although not foolproof, is the most reliable technique for aging and sexing individual snowy owls.

Range & Habitat

Snowy owls are native to the Arctic regions of both North America and the Palearctic, breeding mostly on the tundra. The species possesses a number of unique adaptations to its habitat and lifestyle that distinguish it from other owls. As a largely migratory bird, snowy owls can wander almost anywhere close to the Arctic, sometimes unpredictably irrupting to the south in large numbers. They are nomadic birds, rarely breeding at the same locations or with the same mates on an annual basis.

Behaviour & Diet

Most owls sleep during the day and hunt at night, but the snowy owl is often active during the day, especially in the summertime. The snowy owl is both a specialized and generalist hunter. Its breeding efforts and global population are closely tied to the availability of tundra-dwelling lemmings, but in the non-breeding season, the snowy owl can adapt to almost any available prey—most often other small mammals and northerly water birds, as well as opportunistically carrion.

Snowy owls typically nest on a small rise on the ground of the tundra and lay a very large clutch of eggs, often from about 5 to 11, with the laying and hatching of eggs considerably staggered. Despite the short Arctic summer, the development of the young takes a relatively long time and independence is sought in autumn.

Best Time & Places to See It

Snowy owls breed in Arctic tundra regions of North America and the Palearctic during the breeding season. Their nomadic nature and unpredictable southern irruptions mean sightings can occur almost anywhere close to the Arctic, though specific locations are difficult to predict. The species often does not breed at all if prey is unavailable, making sightings dependent on lemming population cycles and weather patterns.

Photography Tips

The snowy owl's distinctive white plumage makes it relatively conspicuous against Arctic landscapes, particularly valuable for photographers during daylight hours when the species is often active—a rarity among owls. Sexual dimorphism and age-related plumage changes offer opportunities to document different individuals, with males appearing predominantly white while females and juveniles display brown markings. The composition of brown markings on the wings is most useful for identifying and differentiating individuals in photographs.