The snowy owl is one of the most fascinating creatures of the Arctic. With its striking white feathers and piercing yellow eyes, it is a symbol of mystery and survival in the icy wilderness. Let’s dive into the world of this magnificent bird and learn all about its life and habits.

Snowy owls are large birds, standing about 2 feet tall with a wingspan that can stretch over 4 feet! Their bodies are covered in thick, white feathers that help them blend into their snowy surroundings. Male snowy owls are almost completely white, while females and young ones have dark spots on their feathers.

Their eyes are bright yellow and surrounded by black rings, making them look like they’re wearing eyeliner! Snowy owls also have sharp, curved beaks and strong talons, perfect for catching their prey.

Snowy owls are native to the Arctic tundra. During the winter, some migrate to areas farther south, such as Canada, the northern United States, and parts of Europe. They prefer open spaces where they can see their prey from far away, like fields and coastal dunes.

Snowy owls are carnivores, meaning they eat meat. Their favorite food is lemmings, small rodent-like animals that live in the Arctic. In fact, a single snowy owl can eat more than 1,500 lemmings in a year! They also hunt rabbits, birds, and fish when lemmings are scarce.

These owls are expert hunters. They use their excellent eyesight and hearing to locate prey, even under a blanket of snow! Once they spot a meal, they silently swoop down and grab it with their sharp talons. Snowy owls are also diurnal, meaning they’re active during the day, unlike most other owls that hunt at night.

Snowy owls play a vital role in the Arctic ecosystem. By keeping the population of small animals like lemmings in check, they help maintain balance in their habitat. They are also admired by people around the world, inspiring art, stories, and even magical tales!

This diagram shows the main features of a snowy owl: its white feathers, yellow eyes, sharp beak, and powerful talons.

This diagram illustrates a snowy owl sitting on the snowy tundra, with features of its environment like lemmings, snow, and open skies.

1. Snowy owls can live up to 10 years in the wild.
2. They are one of the heaviest owl species because of their thick feathers.
3. A group of owls is called a parliament.
4. Unlike most birds, snowy owls build their nests on the ground.

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