Snowy Owl

Habitat

Snowy owls live in barren Artic regions, but they can also be found in tundra, marshes and coasts.

Wild Diet

Mainly lemmings, but also artic hares, small rodents and certain birds.

Behaviour

Generally snowy owls are solitary birds and prefer not to socialize. Unlike many other owl species, snowy owls are crepuscular, which means that they are active during the day.

Adult males are almost pure white with black flecks on the tips of their wings. Female snowy owls, although predominantly white, have dark marking scattered through their bodies and wear a crown of black markings on the feathers on their head.

Breeding

Breeding usually takes place in May. Females will usually form a nest on high ground, such as a cliff, as it allows them to scan their surroundings whilst incubating their eggs. They usually lay around 3-13 eggs and will then incubate these for 32-34 days before they hatch.

Young start the leave the nest as early as 3 weeks old. They will continue to receive care from their parents until they are 9-10 weeks old.