Species · GBIF taxon 2497522
Great Grey Owl
Strix nebulosaAlso known as Great Gray Owl, Phantom of the North, Spectral Owl, Cinereous Owl
Great grey owls are silent, ghostly hunters of the northern boreal forests, instantly recognizable by their massive circular facial discs and piercing yellow eyes. Despite their imposing physical presence, their bulk is mostly feathers, concealing a lightweight body highly adapted for deep-snow hunting. They rely on incredibly acute hearing to locate and plunge-dive after small rodents tunneling beneath thick winter snowpacks.
NocturnalBorealCamouflaged
- diet
- Carnivorous, feeding almost exclusively on small rodents like voles and gophers
- family
- Strigidae
- threats
- Habitat loss from logging, vehicle collisions, and rodenticide poisoning
- life Span
- 10 to 15 years in the wild
LC
Aggressively defends nests; maintain a respectful distance of at least 100 meters.
Highly sensitive to human disturbance during nesting season and vulnerable to habitat fragmentation from logging.
Keep a distance of at least 100 meters, use binoculars, and never use playback calls to lure them.- Listen for low hoots: Scan forest edges at dusk for their deep, rhythmic, low-pitched hooting sequence.
- Watch the tree line: Look for their distinct, oversized silhouette perched on low branches near meadows.
- Give nesting pairs space: Avoid approaching active nests, as parents will dive-bomb to protect their young.