- Snowy owls often hunt for small rodents, lemmings, and voles. They use landmarks, such as trees, rocks, or hilltops, as hunting perches. These non-living objects provide them with a vantage point to scan the snowy landscape for prey below.
2. Roosting and Nesting:
- Snowy owls use various non-living structures for roosting and nesting. They often choose abandoned buildings, barns, cliff faces, or rock outcrops as suitable nesting sites. These structures provide shelter and protection from the harsh Arctic climate.
3. Foraging and Feeding:
- Snowy owls primarily feed on small rodents, but they occasionally hunt for larger prey such as hares, rabbits, or birds. Forests or dense vegetation provide cover for prey, which the owls can use as hunting grounds. Snowy owls also hunt in open fields and tundra where the prey is more exposed.
4. Migration:
- During their migration, snowy owls rely on various landmarks and geographical features to navigate their long journeys. These may include mountain ranges, coastlines, or large rivers that help guide them to their wintering grounds and back to their breeding areas in the Arctic.
5. Thermoregulation:
- Snowy owls have adapted well to the frigid Arctic climate. They use various forms of insulation, including thick feathers, to help them conserve heat. They may also take advantage of sheltered spots or hollows in the snow for warmth.
6. Camouflage:
- Snowy owls rely on their white coloration to blend into the snowy landscape. Their feathers act as natural camouflage, helping them remain hidden from both predators and prey. This adaptation allows them to hunt effectively and avoid detection.
7. Water Sources:
- Snowy owls require water as much as any other living organism. During the cold winter months, they often rely on non-frozen bodies of water, such as rivers or lakes that remain partially unfrozen due to flowing currents.