Snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus) are majestic birds of prey that inhabit the Arctic tundra. Their beautiful white plumage allows them to camouflage well against the snowy landscape. Snowy owls have captivated people for centuries with their mystical appearance. Many human cultures have developed different names for these owls, reflecting their reverence and fascination with these raptors. In this article, we will explore the various common names used for snowy owls by English speakers and other cultures around the world.
What are some common English names for snowy owls?
Snowy owls go by several common names in English:
Snowy Owl
The most widespread and commonly used name is simply “snowy owl.” This name directly describes the owl’s predominantly white plumage that allows it to blend in with snowy environments.
Arctic Owl
“Arctic owl” is another apt name for this species, as it highlights the frigid northern regions where snowy owls live. They breed in the high Arctic tundra and sometimes migrate farther south in winter.
White Owl
“White owl” is a descriptive term emphasizing the snowy owl’s brilliant white feathers. This is in contrast to most other owl species that display earthy brown, gray, or reddish plumage.
Polar Owl
“Polar owl” refers to the snowy owl’s association with the cold, Polar Regions of the north. As these owls live within the Arctic Circle, Polar owl is an appropriate designation.
Great White Owl
Some call them the “great white owl” in reference to their large size (among the biggest owl species in the world) and signature white coloration.
Ghost Owl
The poetic name of “ghost owl” alludes to their pale plumage and elusive nature. Their spectral white feathers allow them to seem ghostly as they blend into the white Arctic landscape.
White Lady
Female snowy owls are sometimes called “white lady” as a playful anthropomorphic name. This refers to the white plumage and femininity of the female birds.
What names do other cultures use for snowy owls?
Indigenous peoples of the Arctic have their own names for the snowy owl that reflect their deep connection with this raptor within their cultural myths and traditions. Some examples include:
Inuit
The Inuit people of northern Canada and Alaska refer to the snowy owl as “okpik.” This means “little bear” in the Inuktitut language.
Yupik
The Yupik people of Alaska call the snowy owl “qatga.” This name comes from the Yupik word for “mouse hunter.”
Cree
The Cree First Nations of Canada call this bird “wâpiskisiw,” meaning “white bird” in the Cree language. This emphasizes its bright white plumage.
Ojibwe
The Ojibwe peoples of Canada know this raptor as “gawesa,” meaning “white feathered one” or “white owl” in Ojibwe.
Chukchi
The Chukchi and Siberian Yupik peoples of the Russian Far East call the snowy owl “kubar'” which translates to “white thing/owl.”
Sámi
The Sámi people of northern Scandinavia refer to this bird by several names including “cuoiggâhpet” and “cuoigâhpet,” meaning “white owl” in the Sámi language. The Sámi see the snowy owl as an important cultural symbol.
Do snowy owls have individual names?
Snowy owls do not naturally have individual names. As wild animals, snowy owls do not name each other. However, once in human care, rehabilitation centers and zoos may give individual snowy owls unique proper names to identify them, just as pets receive names. This helps the caretakers differentiate between multiple snowy owls under their supervision. Some example names are:
Famous Individual Snowy Owls
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Hedwig | Harry Potter’s pet owl in J.K. Rowling’s beloved book series |
| Bubo | The wise owl in the 1977 animated film The Rescuers |
| Archimedes | Merlin’s pet owl in Disney’s The Sword in the Stone |
As shown in this table, several famous snowy owls have been given individual names in works of literature and film over the years. The names Hedwig, Bubo, and Archimedes are forever associated with these specific fictional snowy owl characters.
Names Given in Captivity
When cared for temporarily at rehabilitation clinics or permanently at zoos, individual snowy owls receive unique names from their human handlers. Some past examples include Snowball, Frosty, Blizzard, Aurora, Crystal, and Snowflake. The theme of icy winter names is often followed to match the snowy owl’s Arctic origins.
Conclusion
In summary, snowy owls have many common names describing their bright white plumage and Arctic habitat in English and other languages. Various indigenous peoples of the north respectfully know the snowy owl by native terms in their own tongues. Individual wild snowy owls do not use names, but may be given unique human names when raised in captivity. The multitude of names for this singular species reflects the widespread cultural connections humans share with the magnificent snowy owl. Its mystical white form has inspired our imaginations across civilizations to impart various monikers upon this iconic Arctic raptor.
