In order to withstand the harsh northern winters, Snowies are densely covered with feathers all the way down to their toes. They hunt by day during the Arctic summer, as well as at night. The Snowy retreats from the northernmost part of its range in winter. In years when the lemming population plummets, Snowies may wander in winter as far south as northern Alabama, Oklahoma and central California. These irruptives, usually heavily barred younger birds, are often highly visible, perched conspicuously on the ground or on low stumps, fence posts and buildings.
Snowies breed in northern Alaska and in northernmost Canada.
They winter south throughout Canada into the northern United States, irregularly farther. They are also found in Eurasia.