Snowy Owl

The Snowy Owl is one of the world’s largest owls, averaging about 58 centimetres long and roughly 1.96 kilograms in one summarized dataset. Its predominantly white plumage suits open Arctic landscapes, while darker markings vary with age and sex. The species occupies a circumpolar range and is exceptionally mobile rather than following a fixed annual route. Breeding birds settle on mesic to dry tundra, often choosing slightly raised ground, while non-breeders also use open grassland, coastlines, ice-covered lakes, sea ice, marshes, fields, and pastures. (Canada Snowy Owl account)

Lemmings dominate the Snowy Owl’s breeding diet and strongly influence where birds settle and whether nesting succeeds. Outside that season, prey broadens to other small mammals and waterbirds. Pairs are monogamous within a breeding season, and laying usually starts around mid-May. The average clutch is about seven eggs, although food-rich years permit larger broods. Only the female incubates, beginning with the first egg, for approximately 32 days; chicks consequently hatch at intervals. Adults disperse from nesting areas mainly during August and September. (Canada Snowy Owl account)