Great Gray Owl

Photo Credit: Jim Richmond, Flickr

Overview

  • Species Common Name Great Gray Owl
  • Species Scientific Name Strix nebulosa
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Great Gray Owls use late-successional forests for nesting, and grassy openings for foraging. Nests are typically found on large-diameter snags or large-branch structures.

Limiting factors

This species requires large forested areas with montane grassland clearings. Loss of this type of habitat mosaic adversely affects Great Gray Owls.

Conservation actions

Maintain late-successional forests with natural, open meadows. Use prescribed fire when practicable to maintain habitat. Practice thinning or removal of trees that encroach upon meadows. Protect known nest sites from logging. This species readily accepts artificial platforms, even when previously-utilized, natural nest sites are available. Modified forest management can enhance habitat for Great Gray Owls by opening up dense forest stands.

Key reference or plan

Survey Protocol for the Great Gray Owl within the Range of the Northwest Forest Plan