Collection: Snowy Owl

The snowy owl ( Bubo scandiacus ), Quebec's emblematic bird and symbol of the province, is a true jewel of boreal wildlife. In winter, it descends to southern Quebec, settling in open fields, airports, and frozen swamps. The male has almost entirely white plumage, the female is speckled with black: it camouflages perfectly in the snow. This large owl hunts by sight, capturing rodents and birds, sometimes in mid-flight. Native to the Arctic tundra, the snowy owl is an excellent indicator of the cycles of lemmings, its preferred prey. Although adapted to the cold, it is vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss. Its winter presence in Quebec attracts many ornithologists. Observing a snowy owl is a magical moment, a symbol of the wild beauty of the North. Its conservation reflects our connection with northern lands.