Distribution

This nomadic species breeds from north Alaska and throughout Canadian Arctic Islands south to coastal west Alaska east to northeast Manitoba and north Quebec. Winters from breeding range to north United States, sporadically as far south as California and the Gulf States.

Habitat

Tundra in summer, fields, prairies, marshes and airports in winter.

Nesting

Hummock on bar gravel, may be lined with moss and lichen.

North American Status

Not well understood. Information and surveys insufficient for establishing population stability, but local monitoring appears to show that populations are stable. Apparent decline in northern Europe.

Status and Conservation

Recent policies prohibiting the shooting and trapping of Snowy Owls have proved effective. Harvesting of owls by native peoples is minimal enough that it has little population-level effects.