What kind of bird is the Snowy Owl? The latest information on its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Animals you can see at cafes.

What kind of bird is a snowy owl? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Many snowy owls live in the northern part of the world, and they are very well known because they have appeared in movies such as Harry Potter. Therefore, we will introduce what kind of characteristics it has.

What is a snowy owl? About basic status

The Snowy Owl is a bird classified in the Owlidae family. The scientific name is Bubo scandiacus. The body length is 50cm-60cm, and the wingspan is 140cm-165cm. Weight is 1-3kg. In kanji, it is written as white owl. It is a large type. The list of information is as follows.

Japanese（和名）	シロフクロウ
English（英名）	Snowy Owl
scientific name(学名)	Bubo scandiacus
classification（分類）	Ave、  Strigiformes、 Strigidae、Buho 鳥綱、フクロウ目、フクロウ科、ワシミミズク属
IUCN Status(保全状況)	VULNERABLE
Length（体長）	50cm-60cm
Weight（体重）	1-3kg

What are the roots and origins of the Snowy Owl?

The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) traces its roots to a lineage of owls that evolved in the cold regions of the Arctic. It is a large owl that currently inhabits the Arctic tundra.

Origins: An owl adapted to the Arctic

The Snowy Owl belongs to the family Strigidae (typical owls) and is classified within the group of large owls.

Its close relatives include:

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

Great Horned Owl

Genetic studies suggest that the Snowy Owl diverged from the ancestors of large eagle-owls several million years ago and evolved as a lineage specialized for the Arctic environment.

The stage of evolution: The Northern Hemisphere during the Ice Age

Past ice ages played a significant role in the evolution of the Snowy Owl.

Several hundred thousand to several million years ago:

Ancient large owls
↓
Expansion into cold regions
↓
Adaptation to snowy plains and tundra environments
↓
Acquisition of white plumage and thick feathers
↓
Modern Snowy Owl

In the Arctic, the environment was characterized by:

A scarcity of trees

Expanses of snow and ice

Extreme temperature differences between summer and winter

These conditions drove a unique evolutionary process.

Why did they develop white feathers?

As its name suggests, the Snowy Owl’s most distinctive feature is its white plumage.

This is an adaptation for survival on snowy plains.

Camouflage

Against the snow, this offers advantages such as:

Being less noticeable to prey

Being harder for predators to spot

However, they are not completely white.

Young birds and females retain:

Black spots

Brown markings

These markings are believed to play a role related to the breeding season or environmental factors.

Physical evolution to withstand extreme cold

Among all bird species, the Snowy Owl possesses a body that is exceptionally well-adapted to cold climates. Characteristics:

Thick plumage

Feathers covering even the toes

Extremely dense plumage

Large body

Body length: Approx. 55–70 cm

Wingspan: Approx. 140–165 cm

Their large size helps retain body heat.

Small ears

They lack the prominent “ear tufts” found on typical eagle-owls.

Reasons:

To minimize protruding features

To prevent heat loss

These are believed to be the reasons.

Unchanged hunting prowess since ancient times

The snowy owl possesses hunting abilities as a nocturnal predator inherited from its ancestors.

Main prey:

Lemmings (small Arctic rodents)

Mice and rats

Small birds

Rabbits and hares

Characteristics:

Detects prey beneath the snow using sound

Approaches with silent wingbeats

Captures prey with powerful talons

About classification

Snowy owls are classified in the genus Eagle Owl. The snowy owl is often treated as a separate genus called the genus Nyctea, which is very controversial.

Snowy Owl Taxonomy

階級	分類
界	動物界 (Animalia)
門	脊索動物門 (Chordata)
綱	鳥綱 (Aves)
目	フクロウ目 (Strigiformes)
科	フクロウ科 (Strigidae)
属	フクロウ属 (Bubo)
種	シロフクロウ (Bubo scandiacus)

About habitat

Its habitat is in northern Europe and North America.

Snowy Owl Habitat

Main Distribution Areas

Arctic and Subarctic Tundra

Northern North America (Northern Canada, Alaska)

Northern Europe (Northern Norway, Sweden, Finland)

Northern Russia and Siberia

Habitat

Prefers open plains and tundra

Rarely found in forested areas, preferring environments with wide visibility and easy prey hunting

In winter, they migrate south, sometimes appearing on farmland, grasslands, and along coastlines (individuals that migrate outside the Arctic are called “erebrations”).

Seasonal Migration

Summer: Spend time in the Arctic tundra where they breed

Winter: Migrate south to find food (appears in open areas of North America and Northern Europe)

Migration distances vary greatly depending on the individual and the year

feature is? What kind of creature is it?

Snowy owls prefer to live in tundra, grasslands, wetlands, and rocky areas. During the breeding season, they are widely distributed in the Arctic Circle, and in winter they migrate south to North America, Eurasia, and as far as Hokkaido in Japan. Its feathers are white, with feathers extending all the way to its toes, and its most distinctive feature is its short beak. Additionally, the female is larger than the male, making it a rare type of owl. They do not perch in trees, preferring to live alone on ice blocks, rocks, and stumps on the plains. They are often active during the day.

Characteristics of the Snowy Owl

Body Size/Body Shape

Body Length: Approximately 52-71cm

Wingspan: Approximately 125-150cm

Weight: Approximately 1.6-3kg

A large owl, characterized by a stocky body and round face

Feathers/Color

Almost white feathers mimic the snow as a protective coloration

Females and young birds have black or brown spots

In winter, they often appear whiter overall

Head/Face

Round face and large yellow eyes

Ear feathers (feathers that look like ears) are not prominent.

Calls

A low, resonant “whoosh” sound.

Often heard during breeding season or during territorial calls.

Behavior/Personality

Mostly diurnal (unusual for an owl).

As a bird of prey, it watches its prey intently and captures it in flight.

During the breeding season, it is highly vigilant and protects its nest.

Diet

Preys primarily on small mammals (such as lemmings and mice).

May also eat birds and fish when necessary.

What is your personality like?

If you’ve ever kept an owl, you’ll know that owls aren’t the kind of animals you’d want to tame and play with. This is an animal that likes to do things at its own pace and wants a relationship that doesn’t interfere with each other.

Snowy Owl Personality and Behavior

Highly cautious

In the wild, they are always aware of predators.

They will quickly flee or threaten humans or other large animals when approached.

Mostly diurnal

While most other owls are nocturnal, snowy owls are active during the day.

Since their prey, such as lemmings, is diurnal, they adapt their hunting activities to the daytime.

Highly independent

They have individual territories, and males in particular closely guard their nests during the breeding season.

They generally act alone outside of the breeding season.

Curious but cautious

They may show curiosity about new environments and sounds.

However, they will quickly fly away if they perceive danger.

Aggression

Males become very aggressive during the breeding season, protecting their nests and females.

Territorial disputes can sometimes be seen even at feeding areas.

What is the ecology like?

The snowy owl’s diet consists of eating small mammals such as mice and rats, as well as insects. They nest on high ground in the tundra and incubate their eggs. Lifespan is 15 to 20 years.

Snowy Owl Ecology

Habitat

Mainly Arctic and Subarctic tundra regions

Prefers open plains and grasslands, living in areas with good visibility and easy prey hunting

May migrate south to farmland or coastal areas in winter

Activity Period

More diurnal than other owls

Actively hunts during the day

Due to food scarcity in winter, they may be active both day and night

Diet

Preys primarily on small mammals (lemmings, rodents)

May also prey on birds and fish depending on the situation

Due to the scarcity of prey in winter, they travel a wide area to hunt

Breeding

Breeding Season: Spring to early summer (adjusted to the short summer in the Arctic)

Nests are built on the ground and lightly covered with stones and grass.

Egg size per clutch: Usually 3-11 eggs

Both parents raise the nest, with chicks leaving the nest in about a month and a half.

Migration/Winter Behavior

Breeding in the Arctic in summer

Some individuals migrate south in winter in search of food (there is also a mass migration known as “erebulation”).

Sociality

They generally live solitary lives outside of the breeding season.

During the breeding season, males and females work together to build nests and raise chicks.

Lifespan

Approximately 9-10 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity.

Are there any natural enemies?

Snowy owls’ natural enemies include arctic foxes and wolves. Larger eagles may also become natural enemies.

Snowy Owl Molting

Molting in the Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a crucial process for renewing feathers—adapting to seasons and growth stages while maintaining their functionality—to survive in the frigid Arctic environment.

Timing of Snowy Owl Molting

Snowy Owls generally undergo a complete molt once a year.

Primary timing:

Summer to autumn (after the breeding season ends)

In the Arctic, feather renewal proceeds after the chicks have fledged.

They avoid extensive molting during the breeding season (spring to summer) because flight capability and heat retention are essential during that time.

Changes in Plumage from Juvenile to Adult

A particularly distinctive feature of Snowy Owl molting is the change in plumage color as they mature.

Newly hatched chicks

Fluffy white-to-gray down

Purpose: Body heat retention

↓

Juveniles

Heavily marked with dark brown patterns

Not yet fully white against the snowy landscape

↓

Adults

Males

Become whiter with age

Older individuals may appear almost pure white

Females

Retain relatively prominent black spotting throughout their lives

This is an example of sexual dimorphism (differences between the sexes).

Sequence of Feather Replacement

Like most birds, Snowy Owls molt in a specific, set order.

Primary areas of renewal:

① Body feathers

Chest

Abdomen

Back

Molting often begins in these areas.

② Wing flight feathers

Crucial feathers for flight

Replaced gradually

③ Tail feathers

Important for maintaining balance

Wing and tail feathers do not all fall out at once; they are replaced in a way that maintains flight capability.

Why is Molting Important?

For the Snowy Owl, feathers are not merely “clothing,” but a survival mechanism.

① Protection against extreme cold

In the Arctic winter, conditions include:

Temperatures dropping tens of degrees below zero

Strong winds

Snow

New plumage is:

Rich in trapped air

Highly insulating

…making it vital for maintaining body heat.

② Maintaining hunting ability

Owl feathers are unique.

The edges of the feathers are serrated,

which reduces air resistance,

enabling the owl to

“fly silently.”

When old feathers become damaged,

flight noise increases

and hunting efficiency drops,

making molting necessary.

Vocalizations

Contrary to the impression of a “quiet bird of the snow” suggested by their appearance, Snowy Owls are characterized by low, powerful vocalizations. They employ a variety of calls, ranging from sounds similar to the typical owl “hoo-hoo” to alarm calls and the cries of chicks.

Typical Adult Call: “Hoo”

The signature calls of the Snowy Owl are

“Hoo, hoo”

“Hoo, hoo” (or “whoo, whoo”)

—low, monotonous sounds.

Males, in particular, vocalize frequently; these calls serve to:

Assert territory

Attract females

Warn off other males

These low-pitched calls carry over long distances, helping the owls locate one another across the vast tundra.

Differences Between Male and Female Calls

Male

Characteristics:

Low-pitched

Powerful

Repetitive

Main purposes:

Courtship during breeding season

Territorial defense

Example:

“Hoo… hoo… hoo…”

Female

Females have higher-pitched voices than males and use a wider variety of calls.

Calls used:

“Kururu” (rolling/trilling sound)

Screams

Alarm calls

They produce particularly intense vocalizations when defending their nests or chicks.

Chick Vocalizations

The calls of Snowy Owl chicks change as they grow.

“Pee-pee”

“Chee-chee”

—small, high-pitched sounds.

Purposes:

Begging parents for food

Communicating with siblings

Seasonal Activities

Snowy Owl activity shifts in response to the extreme seasonal changes characteristic of the Arctic (midnight sun, polar night, snow cover, and prey availability).

🌱 Spring (March–May) | Breeding Preparation & Territory Establishment

Key Activities

Migration to breeding grounds

Males secure territory

Courtship behavior

Pair formation

Individuals that migrated south for the winter return to the Arctic tundra in the spring.

Males woo females through:

Low “hoo-hoo” calls

Aerial display flights

Presenting prey to the female

Diet

Spring is a time to build up physical strength in preparation for breeding.

Main prey:

Lemmings

Voles

Small birds

Rabbits/Hares

Breeding success rates are particularly high in years when lemming populations are abundant.

☀️ Summer (June–August) | Breeding & Chick-rearing Season

The Arctic summer is a time of “midnight sun,” with some areas experiencing 24-hour daylight.

Key Activities

Egg-laying

Females build nests in locations such as:

Shallow depressions in the ground

Areas near rocks

Clutch size varies depending on prey availability,

ranging from a few eggs to over ten.

Incubation & Chick-rearing

Roles are divided as follows:

Female: Primarily incubates eggs

Male: Brings food

Once the chicks hatch:

Parents bring prey

Chicks grow rapidly

Chicks begin wandering around the nest area

Summer Characteristics

Snowy Owls are unusual in that they are

owls that hunt during the day.

Reason:

The sun does not set in the Arctic

There is no need to be nocturnal

🍂 Autumn (September–November) | Fledging & Migration Preparation

Key Activities

Chicks become independent

Family groups disband

Migration south begins

Young birds separate from their parents to:

Practice hunting

Improve flying skills

Prepare for independent life Molting Period

From the end of the summer breeding season through autumn,

body feathers,

wing feathers,

and tail feathers

are replaced.

The new plumage

restores insulation against the cold,

flight capability,

and camouflage for snowy landscapes.

❄️ Winter (December–February) | Overwintering and Hunting Season

When winter arrives, many individuals migrate south.

Destinations include:

Southern Canada,

Northern USA,

Northern Europe,

Northern Russia,

and so on.

However, some individuals remain in the Arctic Circle if food is plentiful.

Winter Hunting

On snowy plains, they:

observe prey from a high vantage point,

pinpoint the prey’s location by sound,

approach in silent flight,

and capture the prey with powerful legs.

Main prey:

Rodents,

rabbits,

waterfowl,

etc.

Flight Speed

Although there are few opportunities to accurately measure their top speed, snowy owls possess powerful flight capabilities suited for hunting—impressive for such large owls.

Normal Flight

Approximately 30–50 km/h

They employ an energy-efficient flight style for long-distance travel.

A characteristic of the snowy owl is its flight pattern, involving slow, deep wingbeats.

Hunting Flight

When targeting prey,

speeds of approximately 40–60 km/h

and even higher speeds during a dive

are believed to be reached.

Their hunting strategy combines speed with

silent wingbeats,

excellent eyesight,

and precise diving.

Long-Distance Migration

Some individuals migrate south for the winter.

Migration distance:

Can range from several hundred to several thousand kilometers.

During migration,

they fly by combining

powerful wingbeats,

gliding,

and utilizing the wind.

About Snowy Owl Chicks

Snowy owl chicks have unique characteristics in appearance, behavior, and development.

Characteristics of Snowy Owl Chicks

Hatching and Early Appearance

Body length immediately after hatching: Approximately 10-15cm

Weight: Approximately 50-70g

Their entire bodies are covered in fluffy white down, and they have a round head shape like their parents.

Their eyes develop into yellow, but their vision is not fully developed immediately after hatching.

Life in the Nest

Nests are built on the ground and are simply surrounded by stones and grass.

Parents stay near the nest to feed and protect them.

When threatened, parents defend their chicks by threatening or attacking.

Diet

Initially, they are fed by their parents. (small mammals and birds)

As they grow, they begin to practice catching small prey on their own.

Growth Process

Feathers gradually change from down to adult feathers.

They leave the nest at about 1.5 months of age.

They continue to accompany their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest, learning hunting and survival skills.

Personality and Behavior

They are cautious immediately after hatching and move carefully outside the nest.

Chicks acquire basic athletic and hunting skills by playing with other chicks and flapping their wings.

After Flinging

They become independent at about 1.5 to 2 months of age.

They leave their parents and begin to establish their own territories.

Is the snowy owl an endangered species?

The snowy owl is an endangered species. Currently, it is said that there are only about 14,000 to 28,000 mature breeding pairs of snowy owls in the world. The number of lemmings that can be eaten is decreasing, and it is suggested that there may be as few as 1,700 lemmings worldwide, and the possibility of extinction has been pointed out. The estimated population in North America is estimated to decline by a further 52%.

Details of Conservation Status

International Assessment (IUCN)

Classification: Least Concern (LC)

Reason: Widely distributed, mainly in the Arctic, with relatively stable populations

Regional Status

Populations fluctuate in North America and Europe.

Local declines may be observed due to winter food shortages and climate change.

Threats

Habitat changes due to climate change (tundra shrinkage, lemming population fluctuations)

Habitat impacts due to human activity (southward migration to tourist destinations and agricultural land)

Predation pressure is not a major issue, as it depends on the natural environment.

Protection

While not subject to special international protection, habitat protection is in place in the Arctic and some national parks.

Can snowy owls be kept?

Can snowy owls be kept as pets? Unfortunately, it is also listed in the Washington Convention and its international trade is severely restricted. Therefore, the only option is to have the animal surrendered to a zoo. It is recommended that you enter the zoo and see the information about events.

Why Snowy Owls Can’t Be Kept as Pets

They are wild animals.

Snowy owls have adapted to vast natural environments, including the Arctic. In Japan, their capture and captivity are prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act and the Species Conservation Act.

Keeping them without permission is illegal.

Large and Unique Biology

They are large birds of prey, measuring 50-70 cm in length and with a wingspan of approximately 125-150 cm.

They require a large hunting range, and a home environment does not provide them with sufficient exercise and flight space.

Special Diet

They primarily prey on small mammals (lemmings, mice, etc.).

Food is difficult to obtain, and artificial feed is extremely difficult to substitute.

Personality and Vigilance

In the wild, they hunt during the day, but they are highly cautious and do not get used to people.

If captured, they are prone to becoming ill due to stress.

Health management is difficult.

Even veterinarians have difficulty examining them, and there is a high risk of illness and injury.

Their lifespan and breeding in captivity are also very limited.