Great gray owls are the world’s biggest owl length-wise but are outweighed by several owl species. These owls grow 24-33 inches long and weigh 1.3-4.2 pounds with males being slightly smaller.

Their deceptively large size can be attributed to its large head, long tail, and abundance of fluffy feathers. In fact, the great gray owl has the longest tail of all other living owl species on earth, which can grow over a foot long.

As their name suggests, the great gray owl is made of varying shades of gray with the underparts being lighter and streaked. They have the largest facial disc of any raptor which displays yellow eyes and dark gray circles around them.

The great gray owl has no ear tufts but has a characteristic white “bow tie” below its beak. Their long, broad wings can span 5 feet and carry them quietly through the forest when hunting.

The great gray owl is not only found in the Northern Hemisphere but is also the only species in the Strix owl genus dispersed in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Their main breeding grounds are from Quebec to Alaska in North America and even areas across northern Asia. The great gray owl occupies a variety of forests like taigas, evergreen, pine forests, and more depending on time of year and location.

Unlike other larger eagles or owls, the great gray owl relies almost exclusively on small rodents for its diet such as gophers, voles, weasels, etc. These owls will either stay in the trees and wait and listen for prey, or fly low through open areas. Their facial disk assists in focusing sound and their uneven ear placement lets them locate the source. Thanks to their excellent hearing, they are able to hunt prey moving up to 2 feet beneath the snow!

Mating season for the great gray owls is dependent on abundance of food. Food affects how many eggs are laid and if a couple will even attempt nesting. These owls don’t build their own nests but will instead use a raptor’s previous nest or something man-made that can be used as a nesting site.

The usual clutch is 4 eggs, which hatches after about 2 months. The chicks will fall or jump from their nest after a month; they must fly and use their beak and feet to climb back up into their nest while their parents play guard. Once the chicks fledge, they still stay near their parents for a few months even when they can fly. At this time, the mother will withdraw and leave the father to feed the young and teach them to hunt.

The great gray owl is also called the spruce owl, Lapland owl, bearded owl, and the phantom of the north.

The only known predator of an adult great gray owl is the Eurasian eagle-owl. The chicks and fledglings can fall prey to other large birds or bears.