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The snowy owl lives on clear terrain north of the treeline in the high Arctic. In the Arctic they overwinter in wind-swept, snow-cleared areas of the tundra; in Scandinavia mainly in the mountains. Breeding areas are small patches of elevated ground, in areas which are free of snow early. Owls that have migrated southward often stay and hunt on agricultural land.
The snowy owl lives on clear terrain north of the treeline in the high Arctic. In the Arctic they overwinter in wind-swept, snow-cleared areas of the tundra; in Scandinavia mainly in the mountains. Breeding areas are small patches of elevated ground, in areas which are free of snow early. Owls that have migrated southward often stay and hunt on agricultural land.
==Diet==
Snowy owls hunt from a still position, and since the tundra is generally featureless they scan the area from a rock, a small mound jutting above the landscape, or a stump. The attack is a quick flight and glide, and like other owls it is silent. The spread feathers on wings and tail, in addition to the feathers on the feet, prevent the owl from sinking in soft snow.
The snowy owl is an opportunist hunter, taking as prey whatever is available in the high Arctic. Prey usually consists of small mammals such as mice, but mainly from lemmings; it will also take arctic hares, ptarmigan, ducks, gulls, and fish.
==Reproduction==
Snowy owls prefer areas with numerous crags, protrusions and small hills. The female digs an earthen trough in an elevated, snow-free place and, depending on the food supply lays 3 to 11 eggs, with each egg laid at every other day. The female alone incubates the eggs, the male supplying her with food. After about one month, the young birds hatch, again at 2-day intervals, with the result of age differences within the brood. If there is not enough food for all chicks, younger and smaller chicks die first. After about 6 to 7 weeks after hatching the young birds are fledged.
==References==
==References==