great grey owl
1. Bird Name
The bird profiled in this article is the Great Grey Owl, scientifically known as Strix nebulosa.
2. Appearance
The Great Grey Owl is a large, powerful bird with a rounded head and no ear tufts. It has a unique grey coloration that subtly blends with a mixture of white and brown streaks, conferring it unmatched camouflage against tree bark. The most striking feature, arguably, is its large facial disc, which is light grey with a noticeable white “moustache” stripe running down either side of the black beak. The eyes are a piercing yellow, adding to its mysterious charm. Both males and females share a similar appearance, with the females being slightly larger than the males.
3. Size
Measuring at an average length of 61 to 84 cm (24 to 33 inches), these birds are among the world’s largest owls. They boast an impressive wingspan, often stretching between 1.4 and 1.5 meters (4.6 to 5 feet). They typically weigh from 790 grams to 1.75 kilograms (1.7 – 3.8 pounds).
4. Habitat & Distribution
The Great Grey Owl is found across the northern hemisphere, with its range spanning from North America’s Rocky Mountains to the forests of Scandinavia and Siberia in Europe and Asia. In terms of habitat, it prefers coniferous forests and other wet, swampy areas or boreal environments.
5. Interesting Facts
A fascinating fact about this nocturnal hunter is its acute hearing, which allows it to detect prey beneath two feet of snow or in a tunnel. Despite its big size, the Great Grey Owl primarily hunts small mammals, like voles. Culturally, these birds are often associated with wisdom and knowledge in various native North-American traditions.
6. Diet
The diet of the Great Grey Owl primarily consists of small mammals, particularly voles. They are also known to consume rabbits, gophers, weasels, squirrels, and small birds.
7. Behavior & Sounds
These owls are mostly nocturnal but can also be crepuscular, showing activity during dawn and dusk. An amazing trait of this owl is its silent flight, made possible by fringes on the edges of its flight feathers. The song of the Great Grey Owl has been described as a deep, resonant “whoo, who, who, who, whoo”, amongst other soft hoots and bark-like calls.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Great Grey Owl is currently classified as a species of ‘Least Concern’. However, it’s worth noting that its population appears to be decreasing due to habitat destruction.
9. Lifespan
The lifespan of a Great Grey Owl can reach up to about 12 years in the wild. In captivity, under proper care, they can live as long as 40 years.
10. Additional Notes
The Great Grey Owl is also known as the “Phantom of the North” due to its elusive nature. Its Finnish name, Lapinpöllö, means ‘Lapland owl’. Despite its imposing presence, it usually doesn’t pose a threat to humans unless defending its territory or young ones. From an ecological perspective, this owl plays a crucial role as a predator by controlling the population of small mammals. They are also an important indicator species for the health of northern forests.
