Snowy Owl
Bubo scandiacus
Here at Banham Zoo
Our two snowy owls can often be seen perched on tree stumps, keeping a close eye on their surroundings. In the wild, they mainly hunt rodents and small birds but can catch prey as large as hares or geese.
A fun way to tell them apart: males are pure white, while females have spotted feathers.
Where Do I Live?
The arctic
The snowy owl lives in barren Arctic regions but they are also found in tundra, fields and marshes.
What Do I Eat?
Their usual prey will be rodents and small birds but they are capable of catching prey up to the size of geese or hares.
How Do I Breed?
Eggs are laid in a hole in the ground, lined with feathers, and are incubated for around five weeks. The young first leave the nest at only two weeks old!
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Vulnerable (VU)
High risk of endangerment in the wild.
The snowy owl has recently been classed as Vulnerable due to a rapid population decline. They are often victims of collisions with cars or aeroplanes, and climate change may be affecting the availability of prey species.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Snowy Owl
located?
Our
Snowy Owl
is located in our
Global Zone
, map reference
7
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
