Great Gray Owl
Great Gray Owl Information
Length: 24 - 33"
Habitat: Dense coniferous forests with nearby open areas such as bogs, forest clearings, or open fields. Seeks breeding habitat containing the abandoned nest of a large bird such as a hawk or raven.
Diet: Primarily small rodents such as voles and mice. Also rats, shrews, squirrels, weasels, and some birds.
Songs and calls of the Great Gray Owl
Additional Information
Great Gray OwlHabitat, feeding behavior, nesting, diet, migration, and conservation status of this bird. Includes range map, photos, and sounds. (From Audubon Field Guide)
Great Gray Owl in Flight
© Arne List [CC BY-SA 2.0], via WC
Great Gray Owl
Identification Tips
- Wingspan: 60 inches
- Very large, nocturnal, predatory bird
- Large, rounded head
- Yellow eyes
- Gray facial disks with darker rings
- Gray upperparts with paler barring
- Pale underparts with large, dark irregular streaks
- Sexes similar
The Great Gray Owl is larger and grayer than other owls and lacks ear tufts.
(Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)
Great Gray Owl
Range Maps from Cornell
Great Gray Owl
nonbreeding and year-round range
Includes separate map of sightings.