Genus: Strix nebulosa
Nicknames: Great Gray Ghost, Phantom of the north, Cinerous Owl, Spectral Owl, Lapland Owl, Spruce Owl, Bearded Owl and Sooty Owl
Length: 72cm for females, 69cm for males
Wingspan: 142cm for females, 140cm for males
Weight: 1,390g for females, 1,290g for males.
Appearance: As one of the world’s largest owl species, the Great Gray Owl’s dark grey and speckled white plumage is often bulky and dense. However, it’s wide wings extend far from its body, easing in flight. The Great Gray Owls facial disk is substantially larger than most owls, making their amber eyes appear small. However, its most recognizable feature is its strip of white under the facial disk, resembling the human equivalent of a mustache.
Habitat: Great Gray Owls live across Canada, Alaska, down the Rocky Mountains and northern Europe and Asia. They prefer breeding and nesting in mixed coniferous and red forests. Most hunting is done in open clearings of these forests, next to bodies of water such as swamps and bogs as well as scatter trees with high branches to perch.
Diet: Gray Owls are able to hunt for larger mammals, however the majority of their diet is focused on small mammals such as Voles, Squirrels, Rats, Mice and others. These animals are plentiful in the habitats of Gray Owls.
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