Animal Facts

Snowy Owls are usually mostly white, with scattered narrow brown to black markings. Their golden eyes are rather small for an owl, as they are one of the few owl species that are diurnal (daytime) hunters. Their toes and claws are thickly covered with feathers, and their dark colored bills are short, strong, and sharply pointed. Next to the Great Horned, they are the largest North American owl species - averaging 2 feet tall, they can sport a wingspan of over 5 feet!

The official bird of Quebec, the Snowy has a range from the northern US up into Canada and Alaska, and can travel widely following the movements of their prey of medium to large rodents, particularly lemmings, and birds - which, like many owls, they swallow whole. Owl populations vary widely, depending on abundance of prey. Snowy Owls breed in May, laying clutches of 3-5 eggs during times of limited food availability and 7-11 when food is plentiful, and incubating them for two and a half weeks. Only females sit on the eggs - the male provides the female and young with food. The young owls begin to leave the nest around 25-26 days after hatching, and are not able to fly well until at least 50 days of age. They continue to be fed by the parents for another 5 weeks after they leave the nest.

As their name might suggest, Snowy Owls face threats from climate change. Other threats to Snowy Owls include collisions with automobiles, utility lines, and gunshot wounds. Recent reports indicate these birds are being illegally killed for their eyes and feet, which are sold in Asian markets. Alaskan natives are allowed to take Snowy Owls for personal use, but all commercial trade is prohibited.