Great Grey Owl
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Strix nebulosa
The long loose plumage of the great grey owl makes it the largest of all the owls in Alberta (75 cm, 29 in. long). The body is dark grey streaked throughout with lighter grey. The large rounded head lacks ear tufts. The facial disk is large and well defined. Darker grey concentric circles surround the eyes.
Great grey owls are seldom found away from dense timber. In Alberta, they inhabit forests of the mixedwood and foothill zones in the northern half of the province. Their total range includes the circumpolar coniferous forests of the world. In North America they may winter as far south as California but most remain in Canada.
Nesting occurs in trees, usually in an old, bulky nest built by other birds. Two to 5 eggs are laid.
The great grey owl is most active during the early mornings and late evenings. From a perch in a tree it swoops down upon its prey — usually small mammals and birds.
