Distinguishing Characteristics

A large owl, similar in size to the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus). Definitive plumage largely white, more or less barred and spotted with dusky blackish-brown. Ear tufts indistinct or rudimentary. Eyes rather small (for an owl) with conspicuous golden irises. Feathers nearly conceal bill. Toes and claws partly concealed by thick feathers. Adult males generally whitest overall, sometimes lacking barring altogether. Adult female and first-year male difficult to distinguish, and there is some plumage overlap. First-year females are the most heavily barred, usually having barred upper breasts and crowns. Ageing/sexing generally not safely accomplished in the field. But in-hand examination of flight feather molt patterns can help determine age classes.

Nearly unmistakable if seen well. Snowy Owls are the only all-white or mostly white large owls with dark barring. Perhaps confusable with the pale Arctic form of Great Horned Owl, but not that species prominent ear tufts; Snowy Owl lacks ear tufts. Frequently confused with Barn Owl by beginning birders, but Barn Owls have a heart-shaped face and buffy orange upperparts.