The Snowy Owl is one of the largest and most recognizable owls in North America, the white plumage of adult males making it unmistakable. It is a diurnal hunter on the arctic tundra, closely tied to lemming cycles — in peak years a pair may raise up to 11 owlets. In irruption winters when lemming populations crash in the arctic, thousands appear in southern Canada and the northern US.
Best time to see a Snowy Owl
The best time to see a Snowy Owl is November–January, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 5,078 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Snowy Owl? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Snowy Owl sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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