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The northern tundra is the home of one of the most powerful and beautiful members of
the owl family: the snowy owl. The female is not as brilliant white as the male, her
plumage is barred and makes her less conspicuous against the tundra. The snowy owl's major
source of food is the lemming; the availability of the lemming has a major effect on the owl
population. She lays her eggs in a dent in the ground which she scrapes herself. Incubation
starts as soon as the first egg is laid, so the chicks hatch one after another and there
can be quite a difference in size between the oldest and the youngest. Striking features
of the snowy owl are the feathery legs, even the claws are covered with dense white feathers.
And the large yellow eyes with their composed stare. For more information about the snowy
owl, why not contact the Canadian Wildlife Service in Ottawa.