The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is native to the Arctic, inhabiting North America and Northern Europe. These raptors predominately feed on small mammals called lemmings, which vary in population size throughout the year. Since the owl’s prey varies greatly in number, this requires that the owls disperse in response to food availability.

Art by @folktails_and_feathers

[Edited by Isabelle McDonald]

Reference:

Therrien, J., Gauthier, G., Pinaud, D., & Bêty, J. (2014). Irruptive movements and breeding dispersal of snowy owls: a specialized predator exploiting a pulsed resource. Journal of Avian Biology, 45(6), 536–544. https://doi.org/10.1111/jav.00426