Wolf's Snowy Owls are depicted in the arctic regions where floating icebergs become detached from the ice-bound mainland. In these solitary areas, according to Gould, the Snowy Owl 'in the company of Polar Bears...spends much of its time; and its whole structure, colouring and thick plumage are wonderfully adapted for such a mode of life.'

Gould added that in the breeding season the owls moved south to Norway, Finland and Russia where their food of hares and lemmings was more abundant. He concluded: 'In the British Islands, therefore, my readers will be prepared to learn that it is only a chance visitor...'
A female is depicted in the foreground, light and dark phased adult birds are in the background.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds Arctic from Iceland and Scandinavia east to Siberia, Alaska, Canada and Greenland. First ever recorded breeding in Britain on Fetlar (Shetland) in 1967 and then each year until 1975; otherwise regular but rare vagrant