- Strix nebulosa
Identification
L. 24-33" (61-84 cm)
W. 5' (1.5 m).
- Huge
- Dusky gray
- Yellow eyes
- Large facial disks
- Distinctive black chin spot bordered by white patches (resembles a bow tie)
Similar Species
Barred Owl and Spotted Owl are smaller, stockier, and browner, with dark eyes.
Distribution
Resident from Alaska and across interior Canada south to northern California, northern Wyoming, Minnesota, and Quebec. In winter wanders rarely southward into northern New England and Great Lakes region. Also in Eurasia.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Coniferous forests and muskeg
Behaviour
Like other owls of the Far North, this species hunts during the day, often watching for prey from a low perch. Because it spends much of its time in dense conifers, it is often overlooked.
Voice
Discussion
One of the most elusive of birds, the Great Gray was discovered in America by Europeans before they realized that the species also occurs in Europe.
