Rex Trulove
So far, we’ve looked at screech owls, which are quite small. We’ve talked about barn owls, which are much larger, and great horned owls, which are larger still. However, the largest owl that can be found in Montana is the great gray owl (Strix nebulosa). In fact, it is the largest owl found anywhere.
Great gray owls can reach over a yard in length and they can have a wingspan in excess of 5 feet. This predator can weigh almost 5 pounds, too. The female is normally larger than the male, which isn’t common in birds.
This is an owl that has a round face disk and doesn’t have tufts or ‘horns’ on the head. Great gray owls are also found in northern Europe and Asia, as well as in the northern US and Canada.
Great gray owls have an excellent sense of hearing and can hear small rodents scurrying around under two feet of snow. They can then capture the prey by plunging into the snow with tremendous accuracy. Small rodents make up most of their diet.
Great gray owls are totally silent in flight and when it is calling or in the nest, it makes quite a few sounds besides the common hoots of most owls. It is also non-aggressive compared to other owls. It is rare to see one, though, even though most of its hunting occurs at dawn and dusk. For this reason, it has been called the Phantom of the North.
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What do you think of this owl?
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It is magnificent
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It is beautiful
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I’d love to see it in the wild
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It is okay, but I’m not impressed
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They are absolutely magnificent. I love all owls.
I agree. This one is spectacular and quite large for an owl.
I would definitely agree with that.
Have seen these at zoos and always thought they were magnificent!
They definitely are. For owls, they are also easy going.
seems really big , what is the age bracket of an owl ?
A great gray owl lifespan averages about 13 years in the wild and about 20 years in captivity, provided that they have food, water, and shelter.
Very beautiful owl pitcher thanks for sharing
I’m glad that you like it. They are gorgeous birds.