1. Grasses: Snowy owls are often found in grasslands and tundra regions, where various grass species dominate. These grasses can include species such as Arctic fescue, tufted hair grass, reed grass, and bluejoint grass.
2. Low shrubs: Snowy owls may also inhabit areas with low shrubs. Some common shrub species in their habitats include willows, dwarf birch, Labrador tea, and crowberries. These shrubs typically grow close to the ground and do not form a dense canopy that would obstruct the owl's flight.
3. Mosses and Lichens: In arctic and subarctic regions where snowy owls reside, mosses and lichens play a significant role in the ground cover. These non-vascular plants form mats that help insulate the ground and provide nesting material for the owls.
4. Forbs: Various herbaceous flowering plants known as forbs can also be found in snowy owl habitats. These may include species like Arctic lupine, purple saxifrage, fireweed, and Arctic poppy. Forbs add diversity to the habitat and provide food for some of the prey species that snowy owls hunt.
5. Sedge: Sedges are grass-like plants commonly found in wetlands and moist areas within the snowy owl's habitat. Some sedge species that may be present include cotton sedge, tussock sedge, and wiregrass sedge.
It's important to note that the specific plant species present in a snowy owl's habitat can vary depending on the geographic region and local environmental conditions.