Great Grey Owl - oil painting

Great Grey Owls are carnivores and feed on small rodents although voles are their favourite food source. Prey animals which they also eat are hares, moles, shrews, jays, grouse, small hawks and ducks. These birds hunt by waiting, listening, and watching for prey, then swooping down from a perch. They are not native to the Uk although they can be seen in bird sanctuaries. They are not as big as Eagle Owls. The Long Eared Owl is the rarest owl in the UK.

The Great Grey Owl’s size is deceptive, as it fluffs up its feathers, has a large head and the longest tail and a body lighter than most other large owls. Their length ranges from 61 to 84 cm (24 to 33 in), averaging 72 cm (28 in) for females and 67 cm (26 in) for males.