búhos blancos

1. Nombre del ave
Commonly referred to as the White Owl, the formal English name for this bird species is the Snowy Owl. Its scientific name is Bubo scandiacus.

2. Aspecto
Snowy Owls possess a distinctive white plumage that enables a kind of camouflage in their snowy habitat. The male is predominantly white, while feather patterns in females and young owls include dark speckling. Their beaks are short, hooked, and black. Their captivating large, yellow eyes stand out against their pale coloration. Apart from the dense plumage that extends to their toes as protection against harsh weather, they display notable round heads without ear tufts.

3. Tamaño
The Snowy Owl is one of the heaviest owl species, with an average weight of 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds) and with a total length of 53 to 65 cm (21-26 inches). Wingspan ranges from 125 to 150 cm (49 to 59 inches).

4. Hábitat y distribución
Inhabiting the frigid Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, Snowy Owls are well adapted to such chilly environments. During winter, they may migrate south into parts of North America, Asia, and Europe when food is scarce in the tundra. Their preferred habitats include plains, marshes, dunes, and other open areas.

5. Datos de interés
Worthy of mention is the Snowy Owl’s migration habit, which is not strictly seasonal like many other bird species’. Instead, it migrates based on food availability. Their hunting skills involve an impressive accuracy, seizing prey from under the snow or the foliage just by hearing. A cultural icon, the Snowy Owl rose to fame as Hedwig, the loyal companion to Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling’s book series.

6. Dieta
A carnivorous bird, the Snowy Owl’s diet predominantly comprises lemmings and other small rodents. It can consume up to five lemmings a day. Snowy Owls also catch fish and birds if the opportunity arises.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
Snowy Owls are diurnal, unlike most other owl species, meaning they can hunt during the day and at night. They make a variety of calls, the most common being a harsh, raspy ‘krek-krek’ sound, especially during breeding season. Their mating display involves elaborate flights and vocalizations.

8. Estado de conservación
The Snowy Owl, according to the IUCN Red List, is classified as ‘vulnerable’. Climate change, habitat loss, and human activities pose a significant threat to their survival.

9. Vida útil
In the wild, the average lifespan of Snowy Owls is about 10 years, though there have been recorded instances of individuals living up to 17 years. In captivity, they can live around 28 years with proper care.

10. Notas adicionales
The Inuit name for the Snowy Owl is Ukaliq or Ukpik. These birds play a vital role in rodent population control in their Arctic habitat. As top predators, any change in their numbers can hint at overall ecosystem health. Due to their distinctive appearance and behavior, they are also focal species for birdwatchers and naturalists.