[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]Latin name: Nyctea scandiaca
Size: Up to 65cm long with a wingspan of up to 150cm
Distribution: A rare winter visitor to the most northerly UK islands and Highlands of Scotland.
Months seen: January to March.
Habitat: Moorland, mountain areas and Arctic tundra.
Food: In the UK mainly rabbits, voles and birds. In Scandinavia mainly lemmings.
Special features: The snowy owl is one of the largest owls in the world. The males are almost pure white. The females and juveniles have dark brown bars and spots all over except for the face and bib. The eyes are bright yellow.
These birds are well adapted for a life in frozen landscapes. The small head, thick plumage and feathered feet and beak all help prevent heat loss.
Snowy owls were last recorded to have bred in the UK in the Shetlands in 1975.
Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:49 pm
