The Great Gray Owl does not migrate but, like the Snowy Owl, sometimes travels outside of its normal range when food availability is low. Unlike some species, like the great horned and screech owls, these birds do not have ear tufts.. Great gray owl research provides evidence that the Sierra Nevada is home to a genetically distinct population, compared to great gray owls outside of California. In the stillness of a cold mountain meadow the elusive giant quietly floats on broad wings across meadows and openings in evergreen forests. The owl is highly aggressive; actively defends nest and it mainly feeds on voles. A big nightbird, haunting woods of the far north and certain high mountains of the west. Like other owls, the great gray owl has eyes that face forward. Great Gray Owls inhabit mature conifer forests adjacent to open wet meadows. Also, like other owls, one of its ear holes is higher than the other. Fun facts. The Great Gray Owl is a dapper owl dressed in a gray suit with a bow tie across its neck and a surprised look on its face. The perfect habitat for these large owls consists of dense coniferous or deciduous forests that are close to open taiga or meadows. Great gray owls have been found to live at least 13 years in the wild and 27 years in captivity. Most breed in mountainous areas but may winter at lower elevations with thinner snow cover. Great grey owl is able to detect little movements of a vole (beneath the snow) hundreds of yards away. Dead trees are an important component of their habitat as they provide potential nest sites. This species ranges in size from 24 to 34 … This gives it depth perception?the kind of vision you have when you look through two eyes instead of one. Habitat. Scientists, in 2010, documented Yosemite's great gray owl ( Strix nebulosa Yosemitensis) as genetically distinct from the great gray owl in western North America (Strix nebulosa nebulosa). Gray Owls are large birds with sharp, hooked beaks and sharp talons. They have grey feathers, and their faces are quite round. Great Gray Owls require areas with large trees and a dense covering canopy. The great grey owl (Strix nebulosa) is the largest of the forest owls. Its great size is partly illusion: it has very thick fluffy plumage, and its body size is smaller than it would appear, so it preys mostly on tiny rodents. It is thought to occupy the coniferous forests of North America.