Songs
Both sexes, but particularly the males, make low, powerful, slightly rasping hoots. They’re often given two at a time but may include up to six hoots in a row. These can be heard for up to 7 miles on the tundra, and other owls often answer with hoots of their own.
Calls
- Female bark call and bill snap
Recorded by Stewart D. MacDonald
Nunavut, Canada
- Male bark call given in alarm at nest
Recorded by Stewart D. MacDonald
Nunavut, Canada
- Mewing whistle of female
Recorded by Stewart D. MacDonald
Nunavut, Canada
- Call
December 1965
- Call
- Begging squeal and chitter call of chick
Recorded by Stewart D. MacDonald
Nunavut, Canada
- Fledgling begging call and chitter
December 1965
Courtesy of Macaulay Library
© Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
In defense, Snowy Owls will hoot, whistle, and hiss.
Other Sounds
When agitated, Snowy Owls snap their bills shut to make a clacking sound.
Find This Bird
Unless you visit the high arctic, you’ll mainly be looking for Snowy Owls during winter in wide-open areas such as fields and shorelines. Scan snowy flat areas and be on the lookout for any irregularities in the snow. A lump or dirty patch could be a Snowy Owl facing away from you. Snowy Owls like to perch in conspicuous areas, so be sure to check high points like hay bales, fenceposts, telephone poles, buildings, or grain elevators. Also look for agitated birds—other raptors or gulls may swoop at a Snowy Owl sitting on a beach.