Species Profile
Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia
Burrowing Owl
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Ground Owl, Prairie Dog Owl
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Appearance
Burrowing Owls are small, round-bodied owls with long legs. Their plumage is mottled brown with white spotting on the upperparts, and a barred brown and white chest and belly. They have prominent white eyebrows above large, yellow eyes.
Both sexes look similar, though females are slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but have a plain buff-colored chest. During the breeding season, adults may appear lighter due to feather wear and sun-bleaching.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Buff
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Burrowing Owls inhabit open, treeless areas such as grasslands, prairies, deserts, and agricultural lands. They're found across the Americas, from western Canada to southern South America, including parts of the Caribbean.
In the United States, they're most common in western states, with year-round populations in Florida and parts of the Southwest. Some northern populations migrate south for winter, while others are resident year-round.
Distribution
Diet
Burrowing Owls are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming insects like grasshoppers and beetles. They also prey on small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Other small prey may include bats, frogs, snakes, earthworms, and caterpillars.
These resourceful hunters are known to cache food in their burrows and have been observed using dung to attract dung beetles as prey.
Behaviour
Burrowing Owls are unique among owls for their diurnal activity and ground-dwelling habits. They often stand erect on long legs at burrow entrances, bobbing their heads when alarmed.
These social birds may form loose colonies, communicating with various calls and displays.
Calls & Sounds
Burrowing Owls have a diverse vocal repertoire. Their primary call is a soft, two-note 'coo-cooo,' often described as dove-like. When alarmed, they emit a rapid chattering or rattling sound.
During courtship, males produce a series of rapid hoots, sometimes accompanied by a 'chuck-chuck' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Burrowing Owls typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which varies by location but often begins in late spring. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including aerial acrobatics and offering food to females.
These owls nest in underground burrows, often those abandoned by prairie dogs or ground squirrels. They may also use man-made structures like pipes or culverts. Females lay 6-11 white eggs directly on the burrow floor.
Incubation lasts about 28-30 days, primarily by the female, while the male provides food. Chicks fledge at about 44 days but may remain near the burrow for several weeks, dependent on their parents.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Burrowing Owl populations are declining in many areas due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting grasslands, maintaining suitable burrowing habitats, and implementing artificial burrow programs in some regions.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in open, treeless areas, especially near ground squirrel or prairie dog colonies.
- Scan for their distinctive upright posture at burrow entrances.
- Listen for their 'coo-cooo' call, especially at dawn and dusk.
- In the US, visit protected grasslands or golf courses in western states for better chances of spotting them.
Did You Know?
- Burrowing Owls often line their burrow entrances with animal dung, which may help mask their scent from predators.
- They are one of the few active owl species during both day and night.
- These owls have been known to mimic the rattling sound of a rattlesnake when threatened, possibly as a defense mechanism.
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