17 Interesting Facts About Snowy Owls
I’ve been a bird enthusiast and wildlife researcher for years. I’ve watched Arctic birds in their natural homes and examined their behaviour in detail. Among the most captivating species I’ve encountered is the snowy owl.
This powerful predator has brilliant white feathers and sharp yellow eyes. Engineers built it to survive harsh conditions on Earth. In this article, I’ll share 17 fascinating facts about snowy owls. These facts come from scientific research and real-world observation. Let’s explore what makes these birds so unique!
1. Snowy owls are true Arctic natives.
They are native to the Arctic tundra. They breed across the northernmost parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. During winter, some migrate south into Canada, the northern U.S., and parts of Eurasia.
Scientific Name: Bubo scandiacus
Habitat: Arctic tundra, coastal regions, and open fields during winter
2. They Are One of the Largest Owls
They are among the largest owls in the world. Adult females are usually larger than males.
| Trait | Female | Male |
| Wingspan | Up to 5.5 feet (1.7 m) | Around 4.5 feet (1.4 m) |
| Weight | Up to 6.5 lbs (3 kg) | Around 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
3. Males are whiter than females.
Male owls are nearly all white. In contrast, females and younger birds show more black or brown markings. These markings help with camouflage when they nest on the ground.
4. Snowy Owls don’t “hoot” like other owls
His sound different from classic owls. They can bark, grunt, whistle, and squawk with a harsh sound. Males hoot at a low pitch during mating season. But, they are often quieter than other owl species.
5. They hunt during the Day
Unlike most owls that are nocturnal, snowy owls are diurnal—they hunt both day and night. This makes sense in the Arctic, where daylight can last 24 hours during the summer.
6. Snowy owls can soar above oceans.
Researchers have tracked snowy owls flying across the North Atlantic Ocean. Some have made incredible journeys over open water from Canada to Northern Europe. Their powerful wings make long migrations possible.
7. Lemmings are their favourite food
In the Arctic, They are rely mostly on lemmings and voles for food. One owl can eat over 1,600 lemmings in a year! In years when lemming numbers drop, snowy owls migrate south for food.
8. They nest on the ground.
Unlike most owls, snowy owls don’t nest in trees. They create shallow scrapes on the ground. These are often on raised mounds or ridges. This helps with visibility. Their white plumage provides natural camouflage in snowy surroundings.
9. Females lay up to 11 eggs.
Snowy owls adjust their clutch size based on food availability. In years when lemmings are abundant, females can lay up to 11 eggs, but during lean years, they may lay none at all.
10. Feathers cover their feet.
They have thick feathers that cover them down to their toes. This helps them survive freezing temperatures. These dense feathers help trap heat and act like built-in snow boots.
11. Snowy owls have incredible vision and hearing
Snowy owls rely on both sharp vision and acute hearing to detect prey under the snow or in low light. They can locate and snatch rodents even under several inches of snow.
12. They sometimes erupt far south.
In some winters, many snowy owls show up far south of where they usually live. This event is called an irruption. Birdwatchers in Texas and Florida have spotted these rare birds in certain years.
13. Juveniles take several years to mature.
Young owls don’t reach full adult plumage until they are 3–4 years old. Juveniles have dark feathers and lighten as they age.
14. They face many modern threats.
Skilled hunters, snowy owls excel at hunting. They face dangers from climate change, habitat loss, and vehicle collisions while migrating. Rodent numbers in the Arctic affect their populations. Warming changes these rodent numbers.
15. Snowy owls hold cultural significance.
They have long fascinated Indigenous Arctic communities. In Inuit tradition, people respect them as wise and mysterious spirits. Recently, snowy owls gained fame from the Harry Potter series. In the story, Harry’s loyal companion is a snowy owl named Hedwig.
16. They list themselves as “vulnerable”.
The IUCN Red List classifies snowy owls as Vulnerable. This means their numbers are dropping, mainly due to changes in their breeding areas.
17. Snowy owls can live for over a Decade in the Wild
In the wild, snowy owls can live up to 10–12 years. In captivity, with proper care, they can live for more than 25 years.
Read Also: Hummingbirds Facts, Eagles Facts, Parrots Facts
FAQs
Are snowy owls nocturnal?
They are active during the day. This helps them hunt in the bright Arctic summers.
Why do snowy owls migrate south?
They head south in winter when food is low in the Arctic. This is especially true if rodent numbers drop.
Do snowy owls stay white all year?
Yes, younger birds and females have more dark bars all year. These bars help them blend in.
What’s the lifespan of a snowy owl?
In the wild, they can live 10–12 years. In captivity, some have lived more than 25 years.
Is the snowy owl endangered?
They are classified as Vulnerable due to declining populations and environmental threats.
Final Thoughts
Snowy owls are not beautiful; they are tough survivors of the Arctic. Their behaviour, unique traits, and surprising sightings in unusual places make them a favourite for owls around the world. Snowy owls spark wonder. You might have seen one during a southern irruption or in pop culture.
