Snowy Owl
Unlike most other owl species, Snowy Owls hunt mainly in the daytime. They spend summers far north of the Arctic Circle, where they take advantage of round-the-clock daylight to hunt lemmings, ptarmigan, and other prey. Snowy Owls are highly nomadic, moving in response to prey availability, and in years when lemming populations boom, they can raise twice or even three times the usual number of young. They are known to aggressively defend their nests, often chasing away potential threats, including larger predators.
Diet
Snowy Owls are carnivores with a diet that primarily consists of small mammals like lemmings and voles, which they must eat daily to survive. They are opportunistic hunters and will also prey on birds, including ptarmigan and seabirds, as well as hares, squirrels, and even fish or insects when available. Their hunting style varies. They may perch and wait, fly low over the ground to scan for movement, or even snatch prey from the surface of the water.
FUN FACT
Young Snowy Owls begin leaving the nest around 25 to 26 days after hatching but do not become strong fliers until at least 50 days of age. Even after leaving the nest, they continue to rely on their parents for food for another five weeks. Unlike most birds, Snowy Owls construct their own nests, scraping out a shallow bowl on a raised surface, such as a rocky ridge, where they have a good view of their surroundings. Females typically lay between 1 and 9 eggs per clutch, with numbers often influenced by food availability. Male Snowy Owls become whiter as they age, while females retain dark markings throughout their lives. The whitest Snowy Owls are always males, while the most heavily barred individuals are females. Despite their smooth, rounded appearance, Snowy Owls have small, nearly invisible ear tufts. Thick feathers provide insulation against the cold, making them the heaviest owl species in North America.
HABITAT
Snowy Owls prefer open landscapes with minimal tree cover. They breed in the Arctic tundra, often choosing windswept ridges or rocky outcrops for their nests. In winter, they migrate south and can be found in open fields, prairies, coastal marshes, dunes, and even large airports. They often perch on fence posts, hay bales, and telephone poles, scanning for prey.
LIFE SPAN
Snowy Owls average a lifespan of about 9.5 years in the wild and over 20 years in captivity. The oldest recorded captive owl lived to 28 years.
Adopt a Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is a true Arctic icon, hunting in daylight and braving freezing temperatures. With the Hero Package, you’ll help provide nutritious food, shelter, and support to keep these snowy sentinels soaring strong. Adopt today and help their Arctic magic live on!
Please note that this animal is currently not available for a mini encounter.
Should you select the Hero package, we will provide you with a list of options of other animals to meet!
Please note that this animal is currently not available for a mini encounter.
Should you select the Hero package, we will provide you with a list of options of other animals to meet!
