Animal Guide

Snowy Owl

25 destinations · 15 states

Native Range: Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia

A Snowy Owl can seem almost motionless when perched, but its quiet presence gives you plenty to watch for. Look closely and you may notice the owl turning its head toward distant sounds, blinking slowly, or shifting its feathers against the cold. Unlike many owls, Snowy Owls often hunt during daylight, a useful adaptation in the bright summer conditions of the Arctic. Their white plumage also changes with age and sex, with adult males tending to become whiter while females usually retain more dark barring. At a zoo or wildlife destination, the most interesting moments can happen when the owl leaves its perch. The broad wings make surprisingly little sound in flight, and the bird can glide low over an exhibit before settling somewhere else. Watching those movements helps reveal why this large Arctic owl is built for open, treeless landscapes rather than dense forests.

Snowy Owl

Where to see Snowy Owl

25 destinations across 15 states

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