Snowy Owl

A large, white owl with a rounded head and no ear tufts. Snowy Owls are one of the most recognizable birds in the world, known for their striking yellow eyes and thick plumage suited for the Arctic cold.

Predominantly white base with characteristic dark brown or blackish-brown barring/spotting. The pattern suggests a female or juvenile male, as adult males are often nearly pure white.

Pennaceous at the tip and upper vane, transitioning to highly plumulaceous (downy) at the base. Visible fimbriae (comb-like serrations) on the leading edge.

Extremely soft and velvety to the touch. The surface is matte rather than glossy to prevent light reflection and muffle sound.

Pure white base color with dark transverse banding, extremely soft 'velvety' texture, and fringed edges for silent flight.

Arctic tundra during breeding season; winters in open fields, shorelines, and airports across southern Canada and northern US.

Holarctic; circumpolar breeding range in the Arctic. Irruptive migrant to the northern United States and Eurasia during winter months.

Apex predator of the tundra, primarily preying on lemmings. They serve as a vital indicator species for Arctic ecosystem health.

Barn Owl feathers are smaller with more ochre/orange tones. Great Horned Owl feathers are darker with more complex mottled gray/brown patterns.

The Snowy Owl is diurnal, meaning it hunts during the day, which is an adaptation to the 24-hour sunlight of the Arctic summer.

Fair to Good. Shows some signs of wear and environmental staining (brownish mud/dirt) near the tip and edges; likely a molted feather found on the ground.