Great Grey Owl
Great Grey Owls are covered in thick grey feathers, they have a huge round facial disc and bright yellow staring eyes.
Great Grey Owls are the largest species of owl that we keep in the Zoo. In the wild, their grey plumage helps them to blend into their natural habitat. The large, feathery facial disc directs sound to their ears, helping the owls to detect prey even when they are hiding under deep snow.
Although Great Grey Owls are not considered to be threatened in the wild, their numbers do fluctuate depending on the availability of prey animals. If rodent populations crash, the owls are unlikely to breed successfully during those periods. You can see our striking Great Grey Owls in our dedicated owl aviaries near to Oakfield House.
Species Information
Where they live: Eurasia, Scandinavia, east to north Mongolia and north east China. They are also found in northern North America and Canada, from Alaska to Manitoba.
Habitat: Dense boreal and coniferous forests - favouring open, often boggy or tundra areas or clearings in which to hunt.
Diet: Mostly small mammals such as voles, mice and squirrels. Occasionally catch and eat birds.
Weight: 800g – 1.7kg
Conservation status: IUCN Red List: Not Globally Threatened.
Threats: In some areas, timber harvesting may reduce the availability of large trees needed to nest in. May decline during times of limited prey availability.