Snow Buntings breed across the Arctic regions of the world, and they are migratory. In Canada, their appearance in the more southerly parts of the country heralds the approach of winter. They usually begin their return to their Arctic breeding grounds in early spring. Typically, a pair will produce four to seven young per year.

Snow Buntings are usually seen in small flocks in open fields and along shorelines, where they feed mainly on seeds. A sizeable flock swirling over a field in winter can be a spectacular sight.

They are usually 15 cm (6 in.) long, and have a wingspan of 30 cm (1 ft.).