General

Snowy Owl: Large, white owl with variable black bars and spots. Head is round and without tufts, eyes are yellow, and bill is black. Female and juvenile are more heavily marked with black.

Range and Habitat

Snowy Owl: Found mainly in the tundra of North America; sometimes driven by search for food as far south as Oklahoma, northern Alabama, and central California. Preferred habitats include lakeshores, marine coastlines, and marshes; may roost on buildings in cities and towns.

Listen to Call

Voice Text

Piercing whistle and bold, growling bark, krow-ow.

Interesting Facts

 Unlike most owls, the Snowy Owl has the ability to hunt during the day.  This is due to the fact that it does not get dark during the summer months in the Arctic.

 They are white because of a lack of pigment in their feathers.  This leaves more room for air, which increases the insulating ability of the feathers.

 Snowy Owls have feathers on their feet to provide extra protection from the severe cold of the Arctic.

 A group of owls has many collective nouns, including "a bazaar of owls", "a glaring of owls", "a parliament of owls", "a stooping of owls", and a "wisdom of owls."

Author

Gary Owen Dick