SPECIES
Snowy owl
Bubo scandiacus
An owl of tundra light, with keen eyes and flight that barely breaks the silence.
Unlike many owls, snowy owls can hunt during long Arctic daylight.
Small mammals, including lemmings in many breeding areas, are important prey.
Breeds across Arctic tundra and winters farther south in some years.
Where does a snowy owl live?
Breeds across Arctic tundra and winters farther south in…
Worth knowing
- Adaptation Unlike many owls, snowy owls can hunt during long Arctic daylight.
- Ecological role Small mammals, including lemmings in many breeding areas, are important prey.
- Home Breeds across Arctic tundra and winters farther south in some years.
How it survives
Unlike many owls, snowy owls can hunt during long Arctic daylight.
An owl of tundra light, with keen eyes and flight that barely breaks the silence.
Why relationships matter
Small mammals, including lemmings in many breeding areas, are important prey.
Where it lives
Breeds across Arctic tundra and winters farther south in some years.
Pressures and responses
Climate-linked tundra change, prey fluctuations and disturbance.
Protect Arctic breeding habitats and avoid disturbance near nests.
Sources
- Wikipedia species-account reference, not independently claim-verified — Bubo scandiacus
- GBIF — Bubo scandiacus accepted taxon
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — Snowy Owl identification
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — Snowy Owl life history
- National Audubon Society — Snowy Owl
Records of where it has been seen come live from GBIF; observed interactions from GloBI. Draft — not yet reviewed by a person.