The snowy owl prefers open areas for its breeding range, including tundra and grasslands. During winter it seeks open areas to the south, including prairies, marshes or shorelines. The snowy owl is the heaviest North American owl, and one of the largest in overall size. They have large, round heads, black beaks, no visible ear-tufts and yellow eyes. The female's body is white and highlighted with dark brown bars and spots.
Males are nearly pure white.
Both sexes of immature owls are heavily marked with brown barring. Life Span Up to 25 years in captivity. Birds have been documented to live at least 10 years in the wild. They also eat large birds, such as ptarmigans and a variety of waterfowl. Snowy owls have been known to wade into water to catch marine animals with their talons.