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;Bubo scandiacus | ;Bubo scandiacus | ||
[[Image:Snowy_Owl.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by kidwings]] | [[Image:Snowy_Owl.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by kidwings]] | ||
| − | == | + | ==Range and Habitat== |
| − | + | A circumpolar, holarctic species. Found in northern latitudes around the world. Nests on open tundra. In winter, irrupts irregularly to more southerly latitudes every few years. In North America, it can be found slightly more consistently south to the northern US. Winters in marshes, beaches, and other open areas, often seen on airport runways. | |
| − | == | + | ==Appearance== |
| − | The | + | Roughly 23-28 inches long, with a wingspan sometimes reaching 5 feet. White, with varying amounts of dark barring on its feathers. Adult males can be pure white, while immature females show the most barring. Adult females and immature males are similar in appearance, but males are distinguished by a more extensive white bib and a mostly white nape. Bright golden eyes. Feathering on legs and feet. Talons and beak black. |
| − | + | ==Foods Taken== | |
| − | + | In breeding season, predominantly lemmings. Breeding success often depends on the abundance of these rodents. An accomplished hunter. Known to take a wide variety of birds, including ptarmigan, shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl, which can even be captured in flight after a pursuit. Another favorite is rabbits and particularly snoeshoe hare. Reported to even snag fish from water. | |
| + | ==In Culture== | ||
| + | Snowies are fairly well recognized among many people by appearance, even if they do not know the name of the bird. The Snowy owl was used in the Harry Potter series as the protagonist's pet and messenger. Snowies can be found in several books and movies, and many birders and non-birders alike have been captivated by their beautiful appearance. | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
*[http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showgallery.php?mcats=all&what=allfields&si=snowy+owl View more images of Snowy Owl in the gallery] | *[http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showgallery.php?mcats=all&what=allfields&si=snowy+owl View more images of Snowy Owl in the gallery] | ||
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] | ||
Revision as of 22:15, 9 May 2007
- Bubo scandiacus
Range and Habitat
A circumpolar, holarctic species. Found in northern latitudes around the world. Nests on open tundra. In winter, irrupts irregularly to more southerly latitudes every few years. In North America, it can be found slightly more consistently south to the northern US. Winters in marshes, beaches, and other open areas, often seen on airport runways.
Appearance
Roughly 23-28 inches long, with a wingspan sometimes reaching 5 feet. White, with varying amounts of dark barring on its feathers. Adult males can be pure white, while immature females show the most barring. Adult females and immature males are similar in appearance, but males are distinguished by a more extensive white bib and a mostly white nape. Bright golden eyes. Feathering on legs and feet. Talons and beak black.
Foods Taken
In breeding season, predominantly lemmings. Breeding success often depends on the abundance of these rodents. An accomplished hunter. Known to take a wide variety of birds, including ptarmigan, shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl, which can even be captured in flight after a pursuit. Another favorite is rabbits and particularly snoeshoe hare. Reported to even snag fish from water.
In Culture
Snowies are fairly well recognized among many people by appearance, even if they do not know the name of the bird. The Snowy owl was used in the Harry Potter series as the protagonist's pet and messenger. Snowies can be found in several books and movies, and many birders and non-birders alike have been captivated by their beautiful appearance.
