Ural Owl Strix uralensis

Very large and rather plain owl with small dark eyes and no ear tufts. Note bright yellow bill, extensive streaking on the breast and back, and broad-banded wing feathers. Ranges from very pale gray to dark brown. Active at night, when often hunts at forest edge and around clearings in northern coniferous and mixed forests. Pairs duet; males give deep, resonating hoots and females give higher, hoarser notes. Larger and longer-tailed than Tawny Owl, which occurs mainly in milder and more southern habitats. Great Gray Owl appears longer-bodied, is more mottled, and has beady yellow eyes.