The Phisology of the Snowy Owl

The Physiology of the Snowy Owl

Biology 101

August 28, 2012

The Physiology of the Snowy Owl

Snowy owls, also known as Arctic owls, classification: Eukaryota, Animilia, Chordata, Vertebrata, Aves, Strigiformes, Bubo scandaicus. Snowy owls are large birds of prey that live in the Arctic tundra, including Canada, Greenland, Russia, and Scandinavia. They are also known to inhabit Alaska and parts of Northern America. These owls are diurnal solitary birds, which mean they prefer to be alone and hunt mainly during the day but can also hunt at night. Although these are solitary owls, when do find a mate; they mate for life. The snowy owls favorite meal is lemmings, but they are not above killing and eating other rodents, rabbits, birds, and fish. They weigh in at around 3.5 to 6.5 pounds. They can grow to approximately 20 to 28 inches with a wingspan of roughly 4.2 to 4.8 feet. The female snowy owl is usually larger than their male counterparts. The lifespan of these owls in the wild is nine years.

Feathers (Plumage)

Snowy owls are well adapted and camouflaged to live and survive in their arctic environment. Their downy feathers cover their entire body, including the owl’s legs and toes (See Figure 1). The feathers on their bodies are dense and have no pigment, which helps them keep warm and regulate their temperature. Their toes and legs are covered with heavy feathers to protect them from the arctic’s harsh landscape. Juveniles have scattered white along the tips of their wings, but their bodies are mostly brown. The older they get, the whiter they become, especially the males. Although the snowy owls plumage is mainly white, females are known to be speckled with black or brown spots (See Figure 1).

Sight and Hearing

Like all other owls, the snowy owl has forward facing eyes that allow them to see objects with both eyes at the same time. Their eyesight is exceedingly well developed, and everything they see is 3-dimensional. Consequently,...