Snowy Owl
| Class: Aves: Birds |
Diet: Small mammals |
| Order:
Strigiformes: Owls |
| Size: 52
- 65 cm (20 1/2 - 25 1/2 in) |
| Family: Strigidae:
Owls |
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name:
Bubo scandiacus |
Habitat: tundra,
marshes, coasts |
| Range:
Circumpolar: arctic Canada, Greenland, Northern Eurasia |
 The
snowy owl is a large species with distinctive, mainly white plumage; females
have more dark, barred markings than males. It usually hunts during the
day and takes prey up to the size of arctic hares and lemmings, as well
as smaller rodents and birds such as ducks and gulls. The snowy owl
begins nesting in mid-May. It makes a shallow scrape in the ground or on
a rock, lines it with moss and feathers and lays 4 to 10 eggs. Up to 15
eggs may be laid if food supplies are particularly good. The male brings
food to the female while she incubates the eggs for 32 or 33 days.
  
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