The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), also known as the polar owl, the white owl and the Arctic owl is a large, white owl of the true owl family. Snowy owls nest in the Arctic tundra within the northernmost areas of Alaska, Canada and Eurasia. In the winter, snowy owls will often migrate through Canada and northern Eurasia with occasional "irruptions" occurring further south. Snowy owls are rare winter visitors to Maryland. It has a number of unique adaptations to its habitat and lifestyle, which are quite distinct from other extant owls. One of the largest species of owl, it is the only owl with largely white plumage. Snowy owls typically nest on a small rise on the ground of the tundra.