Female Snowy Owls (Male vs Female Identification)

snowy owl (swollen lymph nodes in the groin) is an instantly recognizable bird of the Strigidae family. These beautiful owls breed in the far north, from Alaska to Greenland, and from northwestern Europe to Siberia. They migrate south in winter, occasionally crossing the border into the United States.

In the far north, American birders can spot these nocturnal owls sitting on the ground or in low perches on cold winter days. Have you ever wondered what female snowy owls look like or how they differ from males?

Female snowy owls have thick horizontal stripes and dark brown stripes that create a peppery appearance. They are also larger than adult males and turn pure white with age. Females build nests and incubate eggs alone, although their mates provide all food.

Distinguishing between adult male and female snowy owls is relatively easy if you can observe the birds carefully. However, both females and female juveniles are found and suppressed in large numbers, making accurate identification more challenging.

This article covers everything you need to know about the female snowy owl. Read on to learn more about one of the most beautiful birds in the world.

Closeup of a female snowy owl in flight

How do you know if a snowy owl is male or female?

Many behavioral differences can help you distinguish male and female snowy owls. However, physical differences are a good place to start, and there are two main clues that differentiate the sexes.

Males are almost pure white, while female snowy owls have dense dark brown stripes that give them an almost black and white appearance. Females are also much larger than males, although this is most noticeable when a pair is perched close to each other.

Read on to learn more about the physical differences between male and female snowy owls.

female snowy owl

male snowy owl

What does a female snowy owl look like?

Snowy owls are easily recognizable by their snowy white plumage and rounded heads, although females are covered in dark brown markings. This restriction makes them look grizzled from a distance, but their white faces and yellow eyes are distinctive.

Dark stripes appear on top of head, nape, back, belly and tail. Young males also have black stripes, although they tend to have larger white throat patches than females. Female snowy owls also have bolder stripes on their tails.

Both sexes have piercing yellow eyes. Their feet and beaks are almost completely covered with white feathers to keep them warm in cold conditions. Only the black claws and the tip of the black beak are visible.

Closeup shot of a female snowy owl perched on a pole

similar species

Snowy owls generally should not be confused with any other species of owl. Leucistic (white) great horned owls and barred owls are seen from time to time, and these birds may fool birders where their ranges overlap.

female and juvenile snowy owl

Adult male snowy owls are easily identifiable by their pure white plumage. However, it takes them a few years to mature and lose the dark taboo they had as teenagers.

Immature males may resemble females, although they tend to be smaller than adult females and don’t have as extensive barring. Juvenile females are strictly forbidden everywhere except their faces and the undersides of their wings.

Snowy owl males are mostly white

Are female snowy owls bigger than males?

Female snowy owls are much larger than males. This feature is common in owls and other birds of prey, but its function is not fully understood.

There is considerable overlap between the measurements of adult female and male snowy owls, but this difference can help birders make accurate identifications.

female snowy owl

• weight: 0.8 – 2.9 kg (1.75 – 6.3 lbs)
• Body length: 23 – 26 inches (59 – 66 cm)

male snowy owl

• weight: 1.6 – 5.5 lbs (0.7 – 2.5 kg)
• Body length: 21 – 25 inches (53 – 64 cm)

female snowy owl in flight

behavioral difference

Physical differences are the easiest way to tell male and female snowy owls apart. Careful bird watchers, however, will notice some distinct differences in their behavior.

courtship display

Male snowy owls impress females with captivating flight displays. The male takes off with a springy, moth-like flight, his wings in a distinctive V shape. He often makes this display with prey in his mouth, further attracting his potential mates.

The show continues as the male lands, lays down his prey, and continues to swagger around the sacrifice. He has his back to the female, who will fly in if interested.

territory and defense

During the non-breeding season, females defend their territories against other females, while males tend to be nomadic. During the breeding season, males are the more territorial sex, establishing and defending breeding territories.

These birds are fierce when defending their nests and have been known to attack many large animals, including wolves and bears. Females are less likely to exhibit and attack potential threats and intruders in the nest, but there are exceptions.

Female snowy owl perched on a pole

sing and call

Female snowy owls do hoot, although not as often as males. They may be larger than males, but they have higher voices.

Females also make a variety of other sounds, including screams begging for food and meowing when being fed by a mate. Males rarely make this particular call. They have also been known to purr in their nests.

nesting and feeding

Snowy owls are monogamous during nesting season, but choose a new partner each year. Owls are notoriously lazy when it comes to nest building. Most species are content to take over another nest, or even lay their eggs on bare ground. However, female snowy owls will go the extra mile.

Female snowy owls dig their nest bowls by scraping the soil with their beaks and talons. They rarely add nesting material, although feathers, grass, and moss have been found in some nests.

Female snowy owls form a brooding area during nesting season. This strip of exposed skin on the abdomen is prominent and helps birders distinguish males from females during the summer. Even in the arctic summer, cold eggs can freeze and crack, so female snowy owls rarely leave their eggs during inclement weather.

After hatching, the female feeds the chicks with prey provided by the male. If her partner is a successful hunter, she will stockpile uneaten food.

Close-up portrait of snowy owl chick

movement and migration

Snowy owls are migratory animals, although their movements are very irregular and aggressive. In some years, large numbers of snowy owls visit the lower 48 states, sometimes as far south as Texas and California.

Snowy owls typically migrate to New England and the northern Midwest. Interestingly, females tend to stay farther north than males and juveniles, with some individuals even staying far north for the winter.

Female snowy owl resting on a tree

common problem

Can female snowy owls raise offspring alone?

Female snowy owls may do most of the work of preparing the nest, incubating the eggs, and feeding the chicks, but they cannot do it alone. The female relies on her mate to bring food and defend the nest during this time.

What color is a female snowy owl?

From a distance, female snowy owls appear gray. They have dark stripes on their upper wings, lower body, and crown, which create a black and white impression when viewed up close. Their eyes are bright yellow, and their beaks and claws are black.

Can a female snowy owl bark?

Female snowy owls make a variety of sounds, including screeches and hisses. Females also vocalize loudly, although they are less vocal than males.