Snowy Owls

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Scientific name:  Nyctea scandiaca

Size:  Up to 65cm long with a wingspan of up to 160cm

Distribution:  A rare winter visitor.  More usually seen in the most northerly UK islands and Highlands of Scotland, but can show up in other parts of the UK.

Months seen:  January to March.

Habitat:  Moorland, mountain areas and Arctic tundra.

Food:  In the UK mainly rabbits, voles and birds.  In Scandinavia mainly lemmings.

Special features:  The Snowy Owl is one of the largest owls in the world.  The males are almost pure white, while the plumage of the females and juveniles feature dark brown bars and spots except for the feathers around the face and bib.  The eyes are bright yellow.

Snowy Owls are well adapted for a life in frozen landscapes.  The small head, thick plumage and feathered feet and beak all help to prevent heat loss.

Snowy Owls were last recorded to have bred in the UK in the Shetlands in 1975.

Sightings

2009 - Alderney - Bill Black (photo)

Related Pages

• UK Safari Owl Section
• What's Out Now?