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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Meadow Vole
- Pocket Gopher
- Deer Mouse
Predators
- Golden Eagle
- Great Horned Owl
- Eurasian Eagle-Owl
ThreatsHabitat loss from logging, vehicle collisions, and rodenticide poisoning
HabitatsDense boreal forests, coniferous woods, and subalpine meadows near clearings
Life span10 to 15 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- SpeciesStrix nebulosa
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Aggressively defends nests; maintain a respectful distance of at least 100 meters.
- What to notice
- Look for a massive owl with a prominent circular facial disc, yellow eyes, and a black chin bow.
- Support conservation
- Keep a distance of at least 100 meters, use binoculars, and never use playback calls to lure them.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Primary Prey Needsmoreritalin (talk) / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
Close Relative 
Close Relative U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Nigel Voaden, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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