The snowy owl is known for feathered legs and toes adapted to Arctic cold.
Dense feathers cover much of its legs and feet, helping reduce heat loss while it stands or hunts on snow and frozen ground. Its mostly white plumage provides camouflage, especially in winter, although females and younger birds usually show more dark barring than adult males.
Snowy owls breed across the Arctic tundra and may move south in some winters when prey availability changes. Their main food is often the lemming, and breeding success can vary strongly with lemming population cycles.
The snowy owl’s scientific name is Bubo scandiacus. Unlike many owls, it is active during daylight as well as at night, an adaptation suited to the bright Arctic summer.