snowy owl
1. Bird Name
The bird under focus is the Snowy Owl, scientifically known as the Bubo scandiacus.
2. Appearance
Snowy owls are known for their elegant and breathtaking beauty. They have predominantly white feathers, a nod to their Arctic origins, these birds are well-camouflaged to blend with the snow-covered landscapes. Their eyes are a captivating yellow, offering a striking contrast against their light plumage. Unlike most owl species, Snowy Owls have little to no ear tufts. The males of the species are often pure white, while females and young Snowy Owls have some dark scalloping. A mature bird’s beak is sharp, strong, and black – ideal for grappling with prey.
3. Size
The Snowy Owls are among the largest species of owls. They average 53 – 65 cm (20.9 – 25.6 inches) in length with a wingspan rangings from 125 – 150 cm (49.2 – 59.1 inches). A healthy adult Snowy Owl weighs somewhere between 1.6 – 2.9 kg (3.5 – 6.4 lbs).
4. Habitat & Distribution
The Snowy Owl is native to Arctic regions in North America and Eurasia. Their geographic range extends throughout Canada, Greenland, Alaska, Northern Europe, and Eastern Russia. This owl species prefers open landscapes such as tundra, grasslands, dunes, and airports, avoiding dense forests.
5. Interesting Facts
Snowy Owls are widely recognized as the official bird symbol of Quebec, Canada. Unlike other owl species, Snowy Owls are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, especially in the summer. Another unique trait of these birds is their nomadic behavior. They don’t have a fixed territory and often relocate based on the availability of their prey.
6. Diet
Snowy Owls have a robust diet primarily comprising small mammals. Their most favored prey are lemmings, but they also eat rabbits, rodents, birds, and occasionally fish when they are near coastlines.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Known for their silent flights, Snowy Owls glide close to the ground when hunting their prey. Their nest is a simplistic scrape on the ground lined with feathers and some plant material. Their call often sounds like a loud, raspy hoot, which can be heard over long distances in their open habitats.
8. Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies Snowy Owls as Vulnerable due to significant population declines caused by climate change and habitat degradation.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, the Snowy Owl has an average lifespan of about 10 years, although some have been recorded to live up to 17 years. In captive environments, these owls can live more than 28 years with proper care.
10. Additional Notes
Native cultures view the Snowy Owl with reverence, often associating them with wisdom or prophecy. In the ecosystem, Snowy Owls play a crucial role in keeping a check on the populations of small mammals. They’re tolerant of human presence, a trait that has led to an increase in their mortality due to car collisions, shootings, and traps. Their adaptability to human-dominated landscapes like airfields has led to the popular moniker, ‘Airport Owl’. Regular interactions with humans can, however, cause these birds undue stress. Their habitat loss due to climate change and encroachment thus poses a major threat to their survival. As humans, our understanding and respect for their needs can ensure the continued survival of this iconic species.
