bubo scandiacus

1. Bird Name
The bird in consideration for this profile is known as the Snowy Owl in general parlance, and its scientific (Latin) name is Bubo scandiacus.

2. Appearance
The Snowy Owl is famed for its dazzling white plumage that camouflages it perfectly in Arctic habitats. It possesses round yellow eyes- a trait shared across all owl species and a distinct departure from other birds featuring dark or colored eyes. Both the males and females share these characteristics, although the males are often purer white, while female snowy owls are slightly larger and often have scattered dark bars or spots. The bird has a rounded head, no ear tufts, and a hefty, barrel-shaped body. Its beak is short and black, tucking away neatly in the facial disk, and it boasts thick plumage, especially on the feet, assisting it in combating the Arctic cold.

3. Size
An average Snowy Owl measures from 53-65 cm (20-26 inches) in length with quite a substantial wingspan between 125-150 cm (50-60 inches). In terms of weight, they are quite heavy compared to other owl species, ranging between 1.6 to 2.9 kilograms.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Snowy Owl hails from the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. Their range includes Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and northern parts of the contiguous United States. In winter, they can venture further south, into southern Canada and the northern United States. Their preferred habitats include open tundra, coastal dunes, prairies, and large fields.

5. Interesting Facts
Interestingly, the Snowy Owl is a diurnal species, meaning it’s active during the daylight hours, a significant deviation from other owl species’ nocturnal habits. It is also known for its extreme endurance, surviving Arctic winters where temperatures can plunge to minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, Snowy Owls hold important cultural significance, particularly for the Inuit of the high Arctic who admire the bird’s strength and endurance.

6. Diet
The Snowy Owl is a carnivorous bird, preying mainly on small mammals. Lemmings constitute a significant portion of their diet, with an adult capable of consuming more than 1,600 lemmings in a year. In absentia or scarcity of lemmings, rabbits, rodents, birds, and fish form an alternative food source.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Snowy Owls lead solitary lives, coming together only during the breeding season. Their flight is direct with steady, strong wingbeats. Their call, often issued during breeding or in a display of territorial affirmation, is a loud, raspy hoot, punctuated by silence and repeated at irregular intervals.

8. Conservation Status
The Snowy Owl is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN Red List. The main threat to their populations is climate change, which is causing shifts in the distribution and availability of their primary food source.

9. Lifespan
Snowy Owls can live up to 9.5 years in the wild, although many individuals perish during their first year. Their lifespan increases in captivity, with some living up to 25 years.

10. Additional Notes
In other languages, the Snowy Owl is known as Harfang des neiges in French and Buho Nival in Spanish. As a top predator, they play a prominent role in controlling rodent populations in their ecosystems. While they are generally wary of humans, Snowy Owls have become more visible and approachable due to habitat encroachment and food scarcity, leading to increased encounters and fascination with this majestic Arctic bird.