white owl

1. Bird Name
English name: White Owl
Scientific (Latin) name: Bubo scandiacus

2. Appearance
White Owls, also known as Snowy Owls, have a captivating appearance characterized by a striking white plumage that provides camouflage in their snowy habitat. With occasional black markings or ‘barring’ on the feathers, their coloration varies from pure white in adult males to more dense barring in females and young birds. Their eyes stand out with their brilliant, penetrating yellow color, and their hefty beak is dark and slightly hooked. The owls possess a rounded head without ear tufts, giving them an iconic look.

3. Size
White Owls have an average length of 53-65 cm (21-26 inches). The wingspan is massive, ranging between 125-150 cm (49-59 inches) to facilitate their long-distance flights. Females tend to be larger than males on average. Regarding body weight, these owls typically weigh from 1.6 to 3 kg (3.5 to 6.6 lbs).

4. Habitat & Distribution
White Owls are primarily Arctic birds which inhabit regions in North America, Europe, and Asia. They favor open habitats such as tundra, meadows, marshes, dunes, and agricultural fields. During harsh winter periods, they have been known to migrate southwards reaching as far as the northern United States or similar latitudes in Eurasia.

5. Interesting Facts
White Owls are famous for their nomadic behavior and exceptional adaptability. They’re known for occasionally hunting during the day, unlike most owls, due to the continuous sunlight in their Arctic habitat during summer. In terms of cultural significance, they’re often symbolized as indicators of change or wisdom in various societies, and are the mascots for several popular literary and sports culture references.

6. Diet
White Owls feed primarily on small mammals. Lemmings constitute a significant part of their diet, but they may also prey on small birds, rabbits, and rodents. In coastal areas, they’ve been known to hunt fish and seabirds.

7. Behavior & Sounds
White Owls build their nests on the ground, scraping a slight depression in a mound of dirt or vegetation. Their flight pattern is steady and direct. They produce a range of sounds; the primary call is a loud, raspy hoot which can be heard from quite a distance.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the White Owl is currently listed as ‘Vulnerable,’ mainly due to climate change impacting their Arctic habitats.

9. Lifespan
The White Owl can live up to 10 years in the wild, but in captivity, with proper care, they can live up to 25 to 28 years.

10. Additional Notes
In Inuit mythology, the Snowy Owl is often associated with transformation and change. Their interaction with humans varies – they are typically wary, but during winters in non-breeding areas, they often allow close approach. In terms of their role in ecosystems, they control the population of small mammals, particularly lemmings, and their presence can indicate the health of the Arctic ecosystem.