Snowy owls, bubo scandiacus, are one of the largest owls in the world. They are 20 to 27 inches (50 to 68 centimeters) long and stand 27 inches (68 centimeters) tall. Their wingspan is an impressive 4.2 to 5.5 feet (1.2 to 1.6 meters) and they weigh 2.4 to 6.5 pounds (1.1 to 3 kilograms). They are also known as the Arctic owl or the great white owl. Males are smaller than females, but are capable of turning completely white. Females are darker, have dusky spotting and do not turn completely white.
Snowy owls can be found in the vast range of the Arctic Circle (Alaska, Canada, Europe and Asia). Some, however, have been seen in Texas, California, southern China and even the Caribbean, looking for food. Snowy owls are very careful when choosing their nests. The nesting site must have good visibility as well as an abundance of food in the area. They will fiercely defend their nests from any and all intruders. While some will remain in their northern breeding ground throughout the year, most will migrate south. Unlike most owls, snowy owls will go out and do their hunting during the day.
The diet of snowy owls consists of small rodents, large hares, fish, gophers, foxes and other birds, especially lemmings. Snowy owls can eat as many as 5 lemmings in 1 day. They are so adapted to hunting them, that their population fluctuates with that of the lemmings. Snowy owls hunt by perching and patiently waiting for their prey. Their keen eyesight and excellent hearing allows them to find prey that may be hiding under thick vegetation or even a snow cover. After food is spotted, they will proceed to catch their victim with their sharp talons. Snow owls swallow their food whole and regurgitate the bones in the form of a pellet around 24 hours later.
Snowy owls mate during the month of May. The females will lay anywhere from 3 to 11 eggs (depending on abundance of food) and incubate them for about 25 or 26 days. The males provide food for the mother and the young ones when they hatch. Both parents will protect their children from any perceived threats. After about 50 days, the chicks will learn how to fly (not well), but will continue to depend on their parents for food for another 5 weeks. If the little ones can survive, they could live to be up to 5 years of age in the wild.
Snowy owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, although Alaska allows for an unlimited number of owls to be shot as long as they are used for food and clothing. They may face the threat of climate change, which could affect their habitat and their prey. Car collisions, utility lines and illegal hunting for their eyes and feet also cause problems for snowy owls. Hopefully, they never have to face the risk of extinction. After all, such a magnificent creature deserves to live and prosper for a very long time.
