Burrowing Owl
Least ConcernAthene cunicularia
Visual Identification
Burrowing Owl
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.
Size
Length
19cm to 25cm
Wingspan
51cm to 61cm
Weight
120g to 250g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Buff
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 4,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Vocalisation
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.
Lifespan
The Burrowing Owl typically lives for 6 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 11 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Ground Owl, Prairie Dog Owl
Family:
StrigidaePredators
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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References
- 2 4
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Athene cunicularia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22689353A93227732.
View source - 3
report, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 1
website: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1
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