Snowy Owl

 

Facts:

Scientific name: Bubo scandiacus

• Snowy Owls can fly at speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
• They have a heart rate of 200 bpm when resting.
• They are the 2nd largest owl in North America.
• Snowy Owls find refuge in Canada’s Arctic regions.
• Snowy Owls swallow their prey whole.
• They build their nests on the ground

 

Adaptations:

 

Structural 1:  Snowy owls have rounded bodies, so it helps them maintain their body heat in the winter.

Structural 2:  Most other birds have bare legs, but the snowy owl has feathers all around their legs to keep them warm while flying through the cold air.

Behavioral 1:  They also raise their tufts to camouflage themselves.

Behavioral 2:  Solitary so they only need a small hunting territory.  This helps guarantee the availability of enough food.

Carnivore