ExploreBirds

Great Gray Owl

Strix nebulosa

The Great Gray Owl is a big, beautiful bird with soft gray feathers and bright yellow eyes. It loves to hunt in the dark and can see very well at night, making it a special nighttime friend in the forest.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Great Gray Owl is a large, imposing owl with a striking, round gray head and no ear tufts. Its distinct facial disc of concentric rings, bright yellow eyes, and a prominent black chin spot (like a bow tie) make it easily recognizable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyStrigidaeGenusStrix
Great Gray Owl
feathered trait badgesolitary trait badgeaerial trait badgeambush_predator trait badge
Great Gray Owl

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Great Gray Owls often use old nests built by other large birds, like hawks.

Their huge fluffy feathers make them look even bigger than they actually are.

They are North America's tallest owl, standing up to 33 inches!

They have a black "bow-tie" mark under their chin that looks quite fancy!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Senses

Great Gray Owls can hear tiny prey moving under deep snow, helping them hunt even in winter.

Ability

Silent Hunter

Great Gray Owls have specialized feather edges that allow them to fly almost completely silently, surprising prey.

Ability

Head Swivel

The Great Gray Owl can rotate its head nearly 270 degrees to scan its surroundings without moving its body.

Ability

Snow Breaker

Great Gray Owls possess powerful talons and strong legs to dive headfirst through crusty snow to catch prey.

Measurements & details

Length
61-84 cm
Wingspan
130-152 cm
Weight
0.7-1.8 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
2-6
Incubation
28-36 days

Diet & Feeding

These expert hunters primarily feast on small mammals like voles, using their incredible hearing to find prey.

Primary Foods

  • Voles
  • Shrews
  • Mice
  • Pocket Gophers
  • Small Birds

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Meadow Vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus

Primary prey, especially active under snow.

hunts

Northern Red-backed Vole

Myodes rutilus

Common prey in dense forest habitats.

hunts

Masked Shrew

Sorex cinereus

Frequent small mammal prey item.

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Predates eggs, nestlings, and sometimes adult owls.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

If you see an owl, watch quietly from a distance and do not try to touch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Great Gray Owl?

61-84 cm

What is Great Gray Owl's wingspan?

130-152 cm

How much does Great Gray Owl weigh?

0.7-1.8 kg

How long does Great Gray Owl live?

10-15 years

How fast can Great Gray Owl move?

40 km/h

What does Great Gray Owl eat?

These expert hunters primarily feast on small mammals like voles, using their incredible hearing to find prey.

Where is Great Gray Owl usually found?

Forests

How does Great Gray Owl hunt?

Ambush

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Where to spot

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