The snowy owl

The snowy owl is easy to recognize by its distinctive white plumage. In Sweden, it is closely associated with mountain areas where food is abundant. The species is considered critically endangered.

Snowy owls are mostly white with black or brown flecks, while older males can be completely white. Their diet consists mainly of small rodents but also includes birds, hares, grouse, and ducks.

They live in pairs, and the female is responsible for incubating the eggs. A clutch usually contains 4–8 eggs, but occasionally up to 14. The nest is typically built on the ground, often in an elevated area that provides a good view of the surroundings. Snowy owls are very sensitive to disturbance during the egg-laying and incubation periods.

Facts

Scientific name: Bubo scandiacus

Conservation status: Critically Endangered (CE)

Size: 53–65 cm long, with a wingspan of 125–150 cm

Weight: 1.8–2.5 kg

Number of eggs: 4–8

Harry Potter’s owl is named Hedwig. In the films, Hedwig was portrayed by a male snowy owl, which can be recognized by the black spots on its plumage.

The snowy owl is active during the day, unlike most other owls.

This species is highly sensitive to disturbance during the egg-laying and hatching periods and may abandon the nest if disturbed, even from a distance of 200–500 meters.

In 1978, when rodent populations were unusually high, several hundred pairs nested in the mountains of Västerbotten and Norrbotten. In 1981, five breeding attempts were recorded.