P. nivalis, commonly known as the snow bunting, is a small passerine bird found in Arctic habitats. It has a striking white plumage with black wingtips, adapted for wintery environments. The species is known for its migratory behavior, forming large flocks during seasonal movements.

P. nivalis, commonly known as the Snowy Owl, is native to the Arctic regions of North America and Palearctic, including parts of Canada, Alaska (USA), Greenland, Scandinavia, and Russia. It is also found in some areas of Northern Europe and Asia.

The Snowy Owl typically inhabits open tundra, grasslands, and coastal areas within the Arctic Circle. In these regions, the climate is characterized by cold temperatures, strong winds, and limited vegetation, predominated by mosses, lichens, and low shrubs.

The Snowy Owl is a top predator in its environment, primarily hunting lemmings and other small mammals, although it can also catch birds. During the winter, some populations migrate southward into Canada, the northern United States, and parts of Europe and Asia, where they may occupy similar open landscapes such as fields and coastal dunes. The species is well-adapted to cold climates with its thick plumage and excellent hunting skills in low-light conditions.