Snowy Owl

Snowy OwlBird Of the arctic

Physical DescriptionBoth Sexes 20.5-28 in (52-71 cm)Wingspan 49.6-57.1 in (126-145 cm)Weight 56.4-104.1 oz. (1600-2950 g)

Snowy Owl Descriptions

Male Snowy OwlsMale snowy owls are almost all whiteMales are smaller than the female snowy owlMales have cat-like black-rimmed yelloweyes

Female Snowy OwlsFemales are larger and heavier than malesAnd have a more dusky patterning

Snowy Owl HatchlingsResembles adult females

Habitat

Breeding GroundsCoastal AlaskaCanadaGreenlandNorthern ScandinaviaRussiaSouthern Novaya ZemlyaNorthern Siberia

Wintering GroundsSouthern Canada The Northern United StatesIcelandThe British IslesNorthern EuropeCentral RussiaNorthern China Sakhalin

Communication and BehaviorSnowy Owls use sight, sound and touch to communicate and perceive the environmentMales hoot more frequently than females; which they use for territory and defense

Types Of PreyLemmingsRodentsRabbitsHaresWeaselsSquirrels PtarmiganDifferent species of water birds

Natural EnemiesHuman BeingsWolvesLarge Foxes (Mainly Arctic Foxes)Wild Dogs

Reproductive Cycle and Life SpanBreeding season is in MayEgg incubation is 32 days7-11 eggs (when prey is abundant)3-5 eggs (when prey is scarce)The life span of the snowy owls is relatively long is the wild, living up to 10+ years in the wild.And can live longer in captivity, living up to 28+ years

Conservation StatusThe conservation status is listed as Least Concerned

Current Research Of The Snowy OwlIn 1992, scientist started using tracking devices to locate the owls.The objective included studying the owls dietary habits and migration patterns.In 2005-2006, scientist started using solar powered GPS/GMS trackers to follow the owls.