Snowy Owl

scientific name

Nyctea scandiaca

size

Weight. males ~2½-3½ lbs. " female ~3-4½ lbs.
Length. 20-27"
Wingspan. 54-66"

characteristics

Adaptations/Coloration. mostly white " some dark barring (more prevalent in juveniles & adult females)
Eyes. large " wide set " yellow
Head. large " rounded
Legs/Feet. heavily covered with feathers (insulation from cold)
Voice. deep " hoarse croak, shrill whistle, or loud, barking growl 

behavior

crepuscular
Hooting. establishes territory

reproduction/life span

Life span. wild maximum 9 yrs " captivity 14 yrs
Courtship. Mar-Apr
Male Close-Range Display. standing open wing posture " wing closest female angled slightly towards her " food offered " vocalizations
Male Long-Distance Display. exaggerated flying pattern " not seen in exhibit
Mate. Apr-May
Male's Role. provides food & protects nest
Nest Sites. outcroppings " small hillocks " highest & of the driest part tundra
Young. 5-8 (3-13 maximum) " female incubates 32-33 days " young leave nest ~16 days " fly 43-57 days

diet

Wild. principal prey is lemmings " birds, fish, mice, & small marine animals " during migration prey is ground squirrels, hares, moles, rabbits, rats, shrews, & weasels
Zoo. chicken necks, mice (stuffed with Bird of prey formulated diet), & rats " fast 1 day/week to maintain semblance of life in wild

habitat/range

anywhere near water during migration " Arctic Tundra " migrate to Southern Canada & northern US when food scarce ("owl years") " often seen in Oregon & Washington during these migrations

status

CITES App II " suffer great losses during migration due to lack of fear of humans (having had no previous contact with people)

oregon zoo exhibit

Alaska Tundra