Great Grey Owl
NameGreat Grey Owl
Common NameGreat Grey Owl
Scientific NameStrix nebulosa
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)140
Length (cm)72
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsMottled grey and brown plumage with fine barring, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. It has a large, round facial disc with concentric rings of dark and light grey, a prominent black chin patch, and bright yellow eyes.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a series of deep, resonant, low-pitched hoots, often described as 'whoo-whoo-whoo'. It also produces various whistles, hisses, and clacks.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsboreal forest, coniferous forest, taiga, swamps, peat bogs, open woodlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeCircumboreal, found across the northern parts of North America (Canada, Alaska, northern US) and Eurasia (Scandinavia, Russia, Siberia).
Identifying Featureslarge size, prominent grey facial disc, yellow eyes, black chin patch, long tail, mottled grey plumage
Description
The Great Grey Owl is a very large owl with a distinctive prominent facial disc and piercing yellow eyes. It is known for its silent flight and exceptional hearing, allowing it to hunt small mammals even under deep snow.
