Snowy owls are the second tallest North American owl at about 23 inches. They also have the longest wingspan of the North American owls about five feet from wingtip to wingtip. The snowy owl's flight is strong, low and direct with alternating deep wingbeats and short glides. A snowy owl flying directly toward you on broad, rounded wings is a very impressive sight. These owls are strikingly beautiful, almost elegant with their rounded heads and short necks.
Adult males have whiter plumage and older males have the whitest plumage of all.
The females are a bit larger. Females and immature snowies have more dark barring and spotting on their white feathers. Immature birds tend to migrate farther south than adults, so we are more likely to see the darker-colored birds in Wisconsin. The snowy owls are silent during their winter stay.