Snowy Owl

Scientific Name: Bubo scandiacus

Order: Strigiformes (owls)

Family: Strigidae

Conservation Status

About

Snowy owls are equipped to survive in the frigid Arctic temperatures. The abundance of feathers on their body allows them to stay heavily insulated against the cold. The feathers covering their feet look a lot like fuzzy slippers, and provide extra warmth. Unlike most owls, snowy owls are diurnal. Snowy owls will hunt during the extended daylight of the artic summer. They are known to perch on a branch or lookout and wait for prey. Their acute sense of hearing allows them to locate prey hiding beneath the snow. Much of their diet consists of lemmings, but they can also use their talons, swoop down and grasp fish from the water.

Find me at EPZ

Location: This animal is not on exhibit. It is part of our educational collection and may only be seen in programs inside or outside of the zoo.

Arrived at EPZ: Snowbelle-09/26/2012

Habitat & Range
Snowy owls nest in the tundra of northern Alaska, Canada and Eurasia. They travel south during the winter to lower areas of Canada and prefer open areas that resemble tundra such as coastal dunes and prairies.
Identification
Male snowy owls are almost completely white, while females and young are interspersed with black plumage. Both sexes have bright yellow eyes and small, black beaks. As one of the largest species of owl, they measure between 20 and 28 inches long with a wingspan of approximately 4.5 feet. They can weigh anywhere between 3 and 7 pounds.
Diet
Snowy owls feed primarily on lemmings and small rodents during the breeding season. They are opportunistic hunters and, during the winter when food is scarce, they rely on a variety of mammals and birds. Common prey includes muskrats, squirrels, deer mice, songbirds, pheasants and geese. On average, a single bird must capture 7 to 12 mice per day to meet its feeding requirements.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Snowy owl breeding season takes place in May. Depending on availability of food, females lay between 5 and 14 single eggs, averaging one egg every-other day over the course of a week. Eggs hatch approximately 5 weeks after they are laid, and both parents care for the young and defend the nest from predators. A snowy owl living in the wild has an average lifespan of 9 years.
Fantastic Fact
Unlike many birds, snowy owls choose to nest on the ground. They select a location that has good visibility, including mounds, boulders and abandoned eagles nests.

Snowy Owl

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact