The Snowy Owl is one of the largest and most recognizable owls in North America, the white plumage of adult males making it unmistakable. It is a diurnal hunter on the arctic tundra, closely tied to lemming cycles — in peak years a pair may raise up to 11 owlets. In irruption winters when lemming populations crash in the arctic, thousands appear in southern Canada and the northern US.
Habitat
Arctic tundra in summer; open fields, marshes, and airports in winter
Diet
Lemmings, voles, rabbits, and ducks
How common
Uncommon
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