The Great Gray Owl is the largest of the North and Central American owls (the Snowy Owl is more massive). its large size and lack of ear tufts make it a very distinctive owl. Here you will find photos, recordings and a brief field notes section to help identify and enjoy this beautiful owl. A more in depth write up and range map can be found in its natural history page (the Biology link). To jump immediately to any of these sections use the Page Jump Links below.

 The Great Gray Owl is the largest of the North American Owls but not the most massive (allot of his size is feather). Distinguished by its grayish brown color, large size, "white mustache" and "black bow tie" (white throat and black chin). White distinctive eyebrows and lores.  Length is 27" (about the size of a Turkey Vulture or slightly smaller than a Golden Eagle), the iris of the eyes are yellow, the facial disk has concentric rings, and the bill is yellow to olive green. The Great Gray lacks ear tufts and has a relatively large head and small eyes. This is a nocturnal owl although largely crepuscular (hunting at dawn and dusk).