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Birdman Mel's Backyard Tips
Overview
Snowy Owl: Large, white owl with variable black bars and spots. The head is round and lacks tufts, eyes are yellow, and the bill is black. Feathered feet and toes provide protection from the arctic cold. Direct flap-and-glide flight with powerful, deep wingbeats. North America's only all-white owl.
Range and Habitat
Snowy Owl: Found mainly in the tundra of North America; sometimes driven by search for food as far south as Oklahoma, northern Alabama, and central California. Preferred habitats include lakeshores, marine coastlines, and marshes; may roost on buildings in cities and towns.
Topo Map:
Owl-like Body
Listen to Call
Voice Text
Piercing whistle and bold, growling bark, krow-ow.
Interesting Facts
Unlike most owls, the Snowy Owl has the ability to hunt during the day. This is due to the fact that it does not get dark during the summer months in the Arctic.
They are white because of a lack of pigment in their feathers. This leaves more room for air, which increases the insulating ability of the feathers.
Snowy Owls have feathers on their feet to provide extra protection from the severe cold of the Arctic.
A group of owls has many collective nouns, including "a bazaar of owls", "a glaring of owls", "a parliament of owls", "a stooping of owls", and a "wisdom of owls."
Bird Term Glossary
Author
Gary Owen Dick
Related Birds
Barn Owl
Barred Owl
Burrowing Owl
Great Gray Owl
Spotted Owl
.