The Great Gray Owl

The great gray owl is North America's largest owl - at least in stature, and as with most species of owls, the female great gray is larger than the male; head to tail she measurers, on average, about 28 inches. While the "gray ghost's" wingspan is almost 5 feet, it weighs less than 3 pounds. The bird is easily identified by its size, round head, large facial disks, white bowtie, and wild-looking yellow eyes.

Regarding the great gray's distribution, they are found year-round from eastern Quebec west through the Canadian provinces, and as far west and north as central Alaska. South of the US/Canada border the owl's range includes the mountains of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. There are limited numbers of them in Washington State, Oregon, and California. Although classified as non-migratory, during winters when food resources are scarce, populations irrupt southward into Michigan and Minnesota.

Although great gray owls are nocturnal in nature they regularly hunt during daylight hours- especially on cloudy days. Preferred habitat includes boreal forests with grassy meadows and bogs. Voles make up a large percentage of their diet.

Rather than constructing a nest the female great gray either adopts an abandoned hawk nest or selects the top of a large, broken snag to lay her 4, white eggs- March to April. In unique behavior, and to the delight of birders and wildlife photographers, great gray owls readily accept the presence of humans.

Have a great day outdoors!

Mike Roberts