snowy owl

American  

noun

1. a diurnal, Arctic and subarctic owl, Nyctea scandiaca, having white plumage with dark brown markings.

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snowy owl British  

noun

1. a large owl, Nyctea scandiaca, of tundra regions, having a white plumage flecked with brown

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Etymology

Origin of snowy owl

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Swarms of bird fanciers have been flocking to a west Orange County neighborhood to ogle a snowy owl.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2022

Crowds of bird-watchers have been showing up regularly in an Orange County neighborhood to gawk at a snowy owl, a species normally found around the Arctic, Canada and several northern U.S. states.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 29, 2022

In January, a snowy owl that was seen perched on Senate buildings became a minor celebrity on Capitol Hill, where residents and congressional staff tracked its movements, hoping for a glimpse.

From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2022

There is no specific term for a female snowy owl.

From Washington Post • Jan. 10, 2022

Harry looked across the now empty common room and saw, illuminated by the moonlight, a snowy owl perched on the windowsill.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling