Great Grey Owl (Strix Nebulosa)

Conservation Status: Least Concern
Distribution: Scandinavia, northern Asia and northern North America
Habitat: Dense coniferous and boreal forests
Diet: Rodents (particularly voles which constitute the bulk of their diet), and other small mammals, they will occasionally take birds as well.
Size: 61 - 84cm / 24 - 33 inches (head to tail)
Weight: 800g to 1.5kg / 1.5 - 3.3lbs
Activity Cycle: Diurnal
Threats: Loss of suitable nest sites and habitat due to Timber harvesting

The Great Grey Owl is a large owl species with a distinctive mottled grey plumage, this species not only boasts the title as the world's tallest owl species but also possesses the largest facial disc of any owl as well! These owls are formidable, silent hunts of voles and other small rodents, their large facial disc acting similarly to a satellite dish, channelling sound efficiently into their asymmetrical ears to locate their prey, often hidden deep underneath the snow! They prefer to drop down onto their prey from a high perch, though sometimes they will also fly through open areas listening out for prey. These owls are solitary and territorial, with each individual maintaining a large hunting range. They communicate with a series of hoots and calls, particularly during breeding season. Its primary call is a very soft, low-pitched hoot "whooo-ooo-ooo-ooo". They can be aggressive defenders of the nest and have been known to fend off animals up to the size of black bears when defending their nests. When threatened or acting aggressively they will make a loud clicking noise with their beak, and will often growl at predators, with wings spread.

Did you Know? Their scientific name comes from the Greek 'strizo', meaning to screech ('utter shrill sounds') and 'nebulosa' meaning dark, or clouded, referring to their grey colouration. They have many common names including the bearded owl, spectral owl, Lapland owl, sooty owl and (arguably the coolest!) Phantom of the North!

Our Great Grey Owl is called Loki!