Strix nebulosa
The Great Grey Owl is a massive, imposing bird with a large, rounded head lacking ear tufts. Its plumage is predominantly grey with brown streaks and bars, featuring a distinctive facial disc with concentric grey circles and striking yellow eyes.
Females are typically larger than males, but plumage is similar. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a slightly browner overall appearance with less defined facial markings. They develop a more adult-like plumage after 5 months.
Length
61cm to 84cm
Wingspan
137cm to 152cm
Weight
790g to 1.454kg
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey Brown
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Grey
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Great Grey Owls inhabit dense coniferous and mixed forests across the northern hemisphere, including boreal regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They prefer areas with nearby open spaces for hunting.
In North America, they are found in Alaska, Canada, and parts of the northern United States, with some populations in mountainous areas further south. Seasonal movements are often influenced by prey availability rather than temperature.
Montana’s Glacier National Park and the Bitterroot Valley are known for their Great Grey Owl populations. Similarly, sightings are also regularly reported in Idaho’s Bitterroot Mountains and the Panhandle region. To the west, they are also occasionally spotted at Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington.
In Canada, the forests and meadows of Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba offer a decent chance of spotting a Great Grey Owl. Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park is known for its diverse resident wildlife, including Great Grey Owls.
Up to 3,200 meters
Subarctic, Temperate
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Great Grey Owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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