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Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

Photos

About Snowy Owl

Solitary animal, only coming together to breedNocturnal and crepuscular, spending most of its time huntingCarnivorous, eating a variety of small mammals, birds, and insectsMigrates between breeding and wintering grounds

Size

52 - 67 cm

Weight

1400 - 2100 g

Lifespan

up to 10-15 years in the wild, up to 25 years in captivity

Diet

Carnivorous, eating a variety of small mammals, birds, and insects, Lemmings, voles, mice, birds, insects

Conservation Status

Status

Vulnerable

Population Trend

declining

Threats

  • Climate change
  • Habitat loss and fragmentation
  • Hunting and poaching

Additional Notes

The Snowy Owl is a declining species due to climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, and hunting and poaching.

Distribution

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Arctic North America

North America • Canada, United States

Arctic Europe

Europe • Norway, Sweden, Finland

Arctic Asia

Asia • Russia

The Snowy Owl is a circumpolar species, found in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, breeding in the Arctic tundra and migrating south during the winter.