Snowy owl
The snowy owl is one of the largest species of true owl. Females are slightly larger than males and can reach a wingspan of over 1.5 m (5 ft). While male snowy owls are almost completely white, the plumage of females and juveniles has dark spots or stripes. The breeding range covers the entire Arctic tundra in both North America and Eurasia, north of the treeline. However, it is a nomadic bird, following the available food supply.
Prey and hunting methods
Unlike most other owls, the snowy owl also hunts during the day. It mainly preys on lemmings, but also on other small mammals, fish or small birds. With its excellent hearing, the snowy owl can even hear its prey under the snow. The asymmetrical arrangement of its ears helps it to locate its prey. The snowy owl often approaches its target in a low glide. If it misses the prey, it sometimes chases after it running or jumping.
Adaptation to the Arctic environment
To protect itself from the Arctic cold, the feet and toes of the snowy owl are densely feathered. This has the added benefit of preventing it from sinking in. The beak is also partly covered by fine feathers, so-called vibrissae. Due to its dwindling population, the snowy owl is classified as a vulnerable species.
Facts
- Binominal name: Bubo scandiacus
- Other names: Arctic owl, polar owl, white owl
- First described: 1758 (Carl Linnaeus)
- Distribution: Tundra areas in North America and Eurasia
Snowy owl souvenir note
This souvenir note from the Greenland Series is dedicated to the snowy owl. Printed on genuine security paper, it features the coat of arms of Greenland as a gold foil patch, motifs in UV color and haptic elements. While the vertically designed obverse depicts a snowy owl, the reverse shows the tail fin of a whale, a coastal glacier and the Kingittorsuaq Runestone, which was discovered in 1824 by a hunter in north-west Greenland and is now in the Danish National Museum. The runes on it are of Norse origin and date from between 1135 and 1330. The Greenland Series which comprises a total of eight souvenir notes, is also available in a booklet with lots of information and pictures.
Obverse: Snowy owl, coat of arms of Greenland, map of Greenland
Reverse: Tail fin of a whale, coastal glacier, Kingittorsuaq Runestone, Inuit art
| Dimensions: 145 x 70 mm (5.71 x 2.76 in) Material: Paper |
