Misty, Great Grey Owl
Latin Name
Strix nebulosa
Family
Strigidae
LIFE SPAN
Wild: Bird-ringing data suggests an average lifespan of approximately 12–13 years, although many individuals die much younger. The verified maximum recorded wild lifespan is approximately 16 years.
Captivity: Great grey owls may live for approximately 20–27 years when provided with appropriate accommodation, nutrition and veterinary care. A captive lifespan of 27 years has been reported, although the record has not been independently verified.
Body size
Great grey owls are among the world’s largest owls by length. Much of their impressive size comes from their exceptionally thick, insulating plumage rather than a particularly heavy body. Females are generally heavier than males.
- Weight: Approximately 790–1,454g (1.7–3.2 lb).
- Height/body length: Approximately 61–84cm (24–33 in).
- Wingspan: Approximately 137–153cm (54–60 in).
Despite appearing much larger, a great grey owl may weigh less than a Eurasian eagle-owl.
Native habitat
Great grey owls have an extensive northern range covering parts of both North America and Eurasia. They are native to:
- Alaska and much of Canada
- Parts of the northern and western United States
- Scandinavia and the Baltic region
- Russia and Siberia
- Parts of Mongolia and northeastern Asia
They primarily inhabit boreal and coniferous forests, particularly areas bordering open hunting grounds such as meadows, bogs, marshes, forest clearings and muskeg.
Great grey owls do not usually build their own nests. They commonly use abandoned nests made by hawks, crows and other large birds, as well as broken-topped trees and artificial nesting platforms. Although they are generally resident, they may move considerable distances when local rodent populations decline.
Diet
Great grey owls are carnivorous and specialise in hunting small mammals. Rodents can account for approximately 80–90% of their diet. Common prey includes:
- Voles
- Mice
- Lemmings
- Shrews
- Moles
- Pocket gophers
- Chipmunks
They may also occasionally take squirrels, rabbits, hares and small birds.
Great grey owls usually hunt from a low perch, remaining almost motionless while watching and listening for prey. Their exceptional hearing allows them to locate rodents moving beneath vegetation or deep snow. Once prey has been detected, the owl glides silently from its perch and plunges feet-first towards it.
Get to know Misty
Misty is an exceptionally beautiful owl, complete with what appears to be perfectly applied eye make-up! She is also wonderfully vocal and enjoys chatting to visitors as they watch her in the aviary.
Misty flies to guests as part of our owl encounter experience, where her striking appearance always makes an impression. She may not be our most curious problem-solver and is known for giving the occasional vacant stare, but she is remarkably fearless and unlike some of our other owls, she is completely unfazed by balloons!
Fun Fact!
The great grey owl’s enormous rounded head and thick plumage make it appear much heavier than it really is. Its dense feathers provide essential insulation against the freezing winters of the northern forests.
Its exceptionally large facial disc works rather like a satellite dish, gathering sound and directing it towards the ears. Combined with asymmetrically positioned ears and nearly silent flight, this enables the owl to pinpoint prey that is completely hidden beneath snow.