The Snowy Owl lives in very shallow and unprotected scrapes in high, well-drained frozen ground, which it may line with feathers or a few strands of grass. The Snowy Owl hunts both visually and audibly, and thus has incredible hearing. Because it is such a fierce and solitary predator, the Snowy Owl is not often used in falconry, but despite its reputation as a snappish loner, many Snowy Owl handlers have reported imprints as having sweet natures and strong bonds with their handlers. Because of their natural habitat, it is important to keep Snowy Owls in cool climes. Male Snowy Owls are pure white, and weigh about one and three quarters kilograms.
Females have white faces, necks, feet and breasts, but otherwise are covered in brown or black bars.
They weigh about two kilograms. Snowy Owls measure 20 to 24 inches with typical wingspans of 54 to 66 inches. They have black beaks and lovely yellow eyes, and their legs and toes are entirely feathered. Young Snowy Owls also have dark black or brown bands and dark splotches on the tops of their heads. The claws and beak are sharp and hooked, and the Snowy Owl can turn its head 270 degrees in either direction.