Arctic tundra for breeding. Winters in open habitats resembling tundra, including prairies, airports, shorelines, and agricultural fields.
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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Snowy Owl
Canto
Male gives a deep booming hoot 'hooooo' and a rising 'hoo-hoo' series. Also barks sharply when alarmed. Quieter than many owls; silent during long Arctic winter hunts.
Northern Hawk-owl
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Geographic Range & Migration
Snowy Owl
Circumpolar Arctic for breeding. Irruptive winter movements bring birds south to the northern United States, Europe, and Asia.
Northern Hawk-owl
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Estado de conservação
Vulnerable
Snowy Owl
Least Concern
Northern Hawk-owl
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Snowy Owl
Plumagem
Adult males are almost entirely white. Females and immatures have dark brown barring and spotting. Yellow eyes and fully feathered feet.
Bico
Dark hooked bill mostly hidden by dense facial feathering
Northern Hawk-owl
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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The snowy owl is the heaviest North American owl and one of the most charismatic Arctic birds. Unlike most owls, it is largely diurnal, necessitated by the continuous daylight of Arctic summers. Snowy owl irruptions — periodic mass southward movements — are tied to lemming population cycles.
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More Birds in Family
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