Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)

 

   

• HABITAT - Snowy Owl is mainly a circumpolar species living mostly in the treeless tundra habitat of the northern regions of Canada, Alaska, Europe, and Russia. The ground is rocky and hard with permafrost, but the habitat is rich in grass, herbs, moss, lichens, and low shrubs. They can be seen resting on the ground or on natural perches, such as mounds or rocks. In settled areas, snowy owls are occasionally seen perching on fences and buildings.
• DIET -The Snowy Owl is a capable hunter. They feed on a wide variety of small mammals such as lemmings, meadow voles and deer mice. Some of the larger mammal prey includes hares, muskrats, marmots, squirrels, rabbits. They will also hunt birds including ptarmigan, ducks, geese, shorebirds, pheasants, grouse, gulls, songbirds, and even other raptors.
• FACTS - Most owls sleep during the day and hunt at night, but Snowy owls are active during the day, especially in the summertime. Outside of the breeding season, these birds lead a solitary life.