Great Grey Owl
Image: Александр Кочетков (cc-by-nc)
NameGreat Grey Owl
Common NameGreat Grey Owl
Scientific NameStrix nebulosa
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)141
Length (cm)72.5
Weight (g)1250
Plumage DetailsMottled grey and brown plumage provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. It features a large, round facial disc with concentric dark rings, bright yellow eyes, and a distinctive black 'bow-tie' pattern under its chin.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of deep, resonant, hooting calls, often a series of low 'whoo-whoo-whoo' notes. They are generally quiet birds outside of breeding season.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsboreal forest, taiga, coniferous forest, mixed forest, swamps
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeCircumboreal, found across northern North America (Canada, Alaska, northern US) and Eurasia (Scandinavia, Russia, northern China).
Identifying Featureslarge size, prominent grey facial disc, yellow eyes, long tail, grey and brown mottled plumage, black 'bow-tie' pattern under chin
Description
The Great Grey Owl is a very large owl with a prominent facial disc and yellow eyes. It is known for its silent flight and exceptional hearing, allowing it to hunt small mammals under deep snow.
