Located

The Snowy Owl is circumpolar (inhabits areas all around the north pole) and can be found in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Russia, and many areas north of the Arctic Circle.

It has a wide distribution area and at times migrates to areas south of the Arctic Circle. There have been reports of Snowy Owls in Ireland, China, and as far south as Texas and Georgia.

Habitat

Snowy Owls build their nests on the ground, typically in a higher place than the surrounding land so that they have good visibility to predators and prey.

Diet

Snowy Owls feed on small rodents including lemmings and voles. Rabbits are another staple of their diet. These owls are opportunistic and can eat other types of birds, such as ptarmigans. They will also eat the eggs of larger birds.

Size

They are among the largest owls in the Arctic and even North America. They range from 1.75 - 2 feet in length and have a wingspan of 4.5 - 5.5 feet.

Description

Snowy Owls are white with dark spots, and the amount of spots will vary from owl to owl. Some are virtually all white. They have yellow eyes that are fixed in the eye socket, and they have the ability to move their heads almost 270 degrees in both directions! Snowy Owls have a thick layer of feathers on their body as well as their feet to enable them to survive in the tundra.

Reproduction

Mating season for Snowy Owls can occur from April - June and sometimes throughout the summer. Females lay between 2 - 14 eggs per clutch. After the eggs are laid it takes between 4 - 5 weeks for the eggs to hatch. Both the male and female will tend to the nest, until the young are ready to leave.