An iconic symbol of the Arctic wilderness, its pristine white plumage blends seamlessly with the snow-covered landscapes of the far north. These majestic birds of prey are perfectly adapted to life in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Arctic Circle, where they roam the vast tundra in search of prey.
Unlike most owls, Snowy owls are diurnal hunters, meaning they are active during the day, particularly during the breeding season when the continuous daylight of the Arctic summer provides ample opportunities for hunting. Their primary prey during this time are lemmings, small rodents that are abundant in the Arctic tundra. Snowy owls rely heavily on lemmings to feed themselves and their young, and fluctuations in lemming populations can have a significant impact on their reproductive success.
During the winter months, when lemming populations decline and the Arctic landscape becomes covered in snow and ice, Snowy owls become generalist hunters, preying on a variety of migratory birds and rodent species. Their keen eyesight and acute hearing allow them to locate and capture prey with remarkable precision, even in the harshest of conditions.
Despite their formidable hunting skills, Snowy owls face numerous challenges in their Arctic habitat, including climate change and habitat loss. As temperatures rise and the Arctic ice melts at an alarming rate, the delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem is disrupted, affecting the availability of prey species like lemmings and impacting the Snowy owl population.
In addition to environmental threats, Snowy owls also face predation from larger raptors and mammals, such as Arctic foxes and wolves. However, they have evolved various adaptations to evade detection and protect themselves and their young from predators, including their cryptic plumage and their ability to nest in remote and inaccessible locations.
Distribution
Albania
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Canada
China
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Faroe Islands
Finland
Official estimate
France
Germany
Greenland
Official estimate
Hungary
Iceland
Iran
Ireland
Japan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Luxembourg
Mongolia
Montenegro
Netherlands
North Korea
Norway
Official estimate
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Russia
Official estimate
Saint Pierre
Serbia
Slovakia
Svalbard
Sweden
Official estimate
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United StatesAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
