Common name: BURROWING OWL
Scientific name: Athene cunicularia
Identifying characteristics:
The burrowing owl is a diurnal hunter. It is about 9-11 inches tall. Normally it is a light earthy brown with white markings and a dark collar. The most distinguishing field marking is the long legs. On the ground or a perch it always stands upright. It has a short stubby tail
Range:
The burrowing owl occurs through out the western part of North America as well as isolated populations in southern Florida and the deerst areas of Central and South America
Habitat:
This unique little owl perfers the open grasslands, praries, and deserts to make it's home. They will use sand dunes along shorelines if the rodent population is there.
Nesting:
Burrowing owls nest in the burrows dug by other animals. They have a preference for burrows of prarie dogs and other ground squirrels. They rarely dig the holes themselves. They lay 6-11 eggs begining as early as March depending on climate.
Feeding habits:
A large number of large insects are comsumed every year by these owls but the are extremely opportunistic and will feed on rodents, smaller birds, and reptiles as well.
Conservation status:
The Burrowing Owl is fluctuating greatly in different parts of its range. As prairie dog towns are cleared so are the burrowing owls. However, the owls are finding new homes on the land used for airports and golf courses in areas where it has historically not been.
