Quick answer
Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) are birds found across North America, Europe, Asia. The white owl of the Arctic tundra. Adults typically weigh roughly 2 kg (4 lb), reach speeds of Up to 80 km/h (50 mph), and live About 10 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (mainly lemmings) and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The Arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, wintering farther south.
Key takeaway
Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) are birds found across North America, Europe, Asia. The white owl of the Arctic tundra. Adults typically weigh roughly 2 kg (4 lb), reach speeds of Up to 80 km/h (50 mph), and live About 10 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (mainly lemmings) and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The Arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, wintering farther south.
Snowy Owl overview
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a bird listed here as Vulnerable. Typical weight about 2 kg; lifespan around About 10 years in the wild.
Snowy Owl ecology
Diet: Carnivore (mainly lemmings). Habitat: Arctic tundra and open fields. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Snowy Owls and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild snowy owls are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Vulnerable. See the full Snowy Owl profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Snowy Owls inhabit The Arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, wintering farther south. Their preferred habitat includes arctic tundra and open fields, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across North America, Europe, Asia.
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult snowy owls typically measure about 0.66 m in length and weigh roughly 2 kg (4 lb). They can sprint at Up to 80 km/h (50 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Snowy Owls are known for the white owl of the arctic tundra — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Snowy Owl FAQs
What are key facts about snowy owls?
Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) are birds found across North America, Europe, Asia. The white owl of the Arctic tundra. Adults typically weigh roughly 2 kg (4 lb), reach speeds of Up to 80 km/h (50 mph), and live About 10 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (mainly lemmings) and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The Arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, wintering farther south.
What is the scientific name of the snowy owl?
Bubo scandiacus — used in research and conservation listings for snowy owls.
What do snowy owls eat?
Snowy Owls eat mainly lemmings, with seasonal and regional variation in Arctic tundra and open fields.
Where do snowy owls live?
They are associated with Arctic tundra and open fields. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of snowy owls?
Listed in our guides as Vulnerable. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.