143763 Snowy Owl Bubo scandiaca (L 55-65cm). As befits its snowy white plumage, this huge and unmistakable bird hails from the Arctic and typically favours tundra-like northern or upland habitats. In the past, the species has tried to nest on Shetland but these days its status is that of an occasional visitor. Snowy Owls are often active during the day but even when perched, the sheer size and mainly white plumage make it conspicuous. Males have essentially pure white plumage but females and immature birds are marked with grey barring.
