Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)

Size

• The long loose plumage of the great gray owl makes it the largest of all the owls in Alberta. It measures at 75 centimetres (29 inches) long.

Appearance

• The great gray owl's 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.

• In Alberta, they inhabit forests of the boreal forest and foothill regions 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.

Habitat

• Great gray owls are seldom found away from dense timber.

Food

• From a perch in a tree it swoops down upon its prey — usually small mammals and birds.

When Active

• The great gray owl is most active during the early mornings and late evenings.

Breeding Behavior

• Nesting occurs in trees, usually in an old, bulky nest built by other birds.
• Two to five eggs are laid.

Status

The great gray owl is classified as Sensitive in the current General Status of Alberta Wild Species report. See:

• General Status of Alberta Wild Species

Current management

• Like all birds of prey in Alberta, the great gray owl is protected by the provincial Wildlife Act.

Issues

• The great gray owl is a naturally scarce species.

• Birds

• Owls