Overview

The snowy owl is one of the largest and most striking owls on Earth: pure white with black flecks in males, more barred in females, and bright yellow eyes that scan the tundra for lemmings. Unlike most owls, it hunts primarily by day — a adaptation to the Arctic summer when the sun barely sets.

Snowy owls nest on the ground in the Arctic tundra and occasionally irrupt south in winter, delighting birders across Canada and the northern US. A white shape on a fence post in a snowy field is a moment collectors remember for years.

Habitat

Arctic tundra across Canada, Alaska, and Eurasia holds breeding snowy owls. In winter they move south to open country — airports, farmland, and coastlines — following lemming cycles and food availability.

Countries found

Interesting facts

01
Snowy owls hunt in daylight — unlike most owls.
02
A single owl can eat over 1,600 lemmings in a year.
03
Harry Potter's owl Hedwig helped raise awareness of the species.

Conservation status

VU — Vulnerable

Snowy owls are Vulnerable, with populations linked to unpredictable lemming cycles and climate change affecting Arctic habitat. They face disturbance from increasing tourism and vehicle collisions.