great gray owl

bird

Also known as: Strix nebulosa

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) is a large owl found in northern forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. It is characterized by its full, fluffy gray plumage, mottled with darker gray and white. This species is one of the largest owls, with much of its apparent size due to its plumage. Great gray owls primarily eat insects, birds, and small mammals, such as rodents and hares. Most species of wood owls, including the great gray owl, are considered species of least concern by the IUCN.12

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owl
Reproduction and development
The great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) occasionally constructs its own platform nest in a tree. In desert areas the smaller owls rely primarily on holes made by woodpeckers in large cacti. Intense competition has been observed among nesting birds, including owls, for occupancy of a limited…
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The great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) occasionally constructs its own platform nest in a tree. In desert areas the smaller owls rely primarily on holes made by woodpeckers in large cacti. Intense competition has been observed among nesting birds, including owls, for occupancy of a limited…
Read More

wood owl
The great gray owl (S. nebulosa), of northern Europe, Asia, and North America, is among the largest owls, often more than 70 cm (2.3 feet) long. Much of its apparent size results from its plumage. It is gray to brownish, barred underneath, and heavily streaked.
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The great gray owl (S. nebulosa), of northern Europe, Asia, and North America, is among the largest owls, often more than 70 cm (2.3 feet) long. Much of its apparent size results from its plumage. It is gray to brownish, barred underneath, and heavily streaked.
Read More