The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a majestic Arctic predator, instantly recognisable by its striking white plumage and piercing yellow eyes.
Unlike most owls, it hunts during the day, taking advantage of the long summer daylight. Its thick feathers provide insulation against freezing temperatures, even covering its feet like built-in snowshoes.
Snowy owls are powerful fliers, capable of travelling vast distances. Some migrate from the Arctic to as far as southern Canada and even (though very rarely) the UK.
Males become almost completely white with age, while females retain dark speckles. Their diet mainly consists of lemmings, and one individual can sometimes consume over 1,600 a year, according to the British Bird of Prey Centre Wales.
Yet perhaps most striking of all is the snowy owl's ability to turn its head up 270 degrees – a feat made possible because the bird’s head is only connected by one socket pivot. This incredible ability to twist its neck so far helps the owl hunt and avoid predators.
See it in action with this amazing video.
Main image: snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus)/Getty
More wildlife stories from around the world
- Storm bird: this 22-second video of a barnacle goose flying in heavy rain is pure bliss
- Snake skins draped from trees in popular New York State forest – here's what's going on
- Is this the strangest bird in the world?
- 11 Arctic animals that not only survive, but also thrive, in this inhospitable freezing landscape
