Great Grey Owl
NameGreat Grey Owl
Common NameGreat Grey Owl
Scientific NameStrix nebulosa
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)141
Length (cm)72.5
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsPredominantly grey with intricate dark streaking and barring across the body, especially on the underparts. It has prominent concentric grey and white facial discs with a distinctive dark 'bow-tie' pattern under the chin. The eyes are small and yellow.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include deep, resonant hooting calls, often a series of soft 'whoo-whoo-whoo' notes. They also produce various barks, hoots, and whistles, particularly during the breeding season.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsboreal forest, coniferous forest, taiga, swampy woodlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the northern latitudes of North America (Canada, Alaska, northern US states) and northern Eurasia (Scandinavia, Russia, Siberia).
Identifying Featureslarge size, massive head, prominent facial discs, grey plumage with streaking, small yellow eyes, dark 'bow-tie' mark under chin
Description
The Great Grey Owl is a very large owl with a massive head and prominent facial discs, giving it a distinctive 'flat-faced' appearance. It is known for its silent flight and exceptional hearing, which allows it to hunt small mammals under snow. This species typically inhabits dense boreal and coniferous forests.
