Snowy Owl

The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large bird of prey that lives mainly on the Arctic tundra of North America, Europe and Asia. Unlike most owls, it is often active during the day, especially during the Arctic summer when daylight lasts almost around the clock. Its thick white plumage provides excellent insulation against the cold and helps it blend into snowy landscapes.

Adult males are usually whiter than females, while females and young birds retain more dark markings. The owl's feather-covered legs, broad wings and keen eyesight allow it to fly silently over open ground and spot prey from great distances. Its excellent hearing also helps it detect animals hidden beneath vegetation or snow.

Lemmings are the snowy owl's main source of food, although it also hunts other small mammals, birds and occasionally fish when the opportunity arises. The number of chicks raised each year depends largely on the abundance of prey, so breeding success can vary greatly from one season to the next.

Snowy owls build simple nests directly on the ground, choosing slightly elevated sites that provide a good view of the surrounding area. Outside the breeding season, many individuals migrate south to regions with milder winters, sometimes reaching farmland or coastal areas. Today, changes in Arctic ecosystems caused by climate change, together with habitat disturbance in some areas, may affect the long-term survival of certain populations.