The snowy owl is one of the largest and most recognizable owls in North America. It can reach a height similar to that of a Great Horned Owl, but it is heavier than any other owl species found on the continent. Unlike many owls, the snowy owl has a smooth, rounded head without visible ear tufts. Its bright yellow eyes and dark beak create a striking contrast against its pale feathers.

Adult males often become almost completely white as they mature, while females and younger birds usually have noticeable black or brown markings scattered across their bodies. This beautiful coloring helps them blend into their cold northern environment.

Range

Snowy owls have a circumpolar range, meaning they are found throughout the Arctic regions around the world. During the breeding season, they remain almost entirely within the Arctic tundra. When winter arrives, many move southward in search of food and can regularly be seen across the Great Plains.

Some individuals travel much farther south, with occasional sightings occurring as far away as Indiana. In certain years, known as irruption years, unusually large numbers of snowy owls leave their Arctic homes and appear throughout parts of the United States.

The exact reason behind these large movements is still not completely understood. Scientists believe they may be connected to changes in lemming populations, which are the owl’s primary food source, along with weather conditions. In Minnesota, snowy owls are considered regular winter visitors.

Habitat

Snowy owls prefer wide, open landscapes where they have plenty of space to hunt. Their preferred environments include Arctic tundra, grasslands, and frozen coastal areas.

During the breeding season, they typically live in treeless tundra habitats. In winter, however, they become much more adaptable and may appear in surprising locations such as shorelines, airports, railroad areas, agricultural fields, and even the outskirts of cities.

Nesting

Unlike many birds that build nests in trees, female snowy owls lay their eggs directly on the ground. Their nesting success is closely connected to the availability of lemmings, which provide the majority of their food.

When lemming populations are high, snowy owls may produce large numbers of eggs. During years when food is scarce, they lay much smaller clutches. The number of eggs produced is influenced by how much food the male can provide for the female during the breeding season.

Feeding Habits

Snowy owls are powerful predators that mainly rely on small mammals, especially lemmings, as their primary source of food. However, they are capable hunters with a varied diet.

When opportunities arise, they can also capture larger prey, including hares and birds such as ptarmigans. Their excellent vision, strong talons, and ability to hunt in open environments make them highly effective Arctic predators.

Raptor Center Data

Each year, a small number of snowy owls are brought to wildlife rehabilitation centers for care. During major irruption years, when large numbers of these owls travel farther south than usual, rehabilitation facilities may receive significantly more cases.

At these times, clinics may treat between 20 and 30 snowy owls, helping injured or weakened birds recover before returning them to the wild whenever possible.