The Snowy Owl nests on the ground in tundra and other treeless, wide-open habitats. Some Snowy Owls migrate south for the winter while others remain in the Arctic year-round. There is evidence that populations have been declining in the southern part of their wintering range, as well as some northern locations (Baffin Island and the Yukon coast). Improved population estimation techniques have also shown that the number of Snowy Owls in Canada is much lower than previously thought.
Snowy Owl was assessed as Threatened in Canada in May 2025.
Check out the field guide: Owls of the Northwest Territories
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