Great Grey Owl

Strix nebulosa

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Aves · Strigiformes · Strigidae

About

The great grey owl is a true owl, and is the world's largest species of owl by length. It is distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and is the only species in the genus Strix found in both Eastern and Western Hemispheres. In some areas, it is also called the phantom of the north, cinereous owl, spectral owl, Lapland owl, spruce owl, bearded owl, and sooty owl.

Fun Fact

Great grey owls can hear a vole moving under 60 cm of snow — they plunge headfirst through the snow crust to snatch prey, using facial disc feathers that channel sound to their asymmetric ears.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Dense boreal forests

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

10-15 years

Threats

Illegal Logging
Wildfire

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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