Burrowing owls, scientifically known as Athene cunicularia, are small, long-legged owls found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. They have sandy brown plumage with white speckles, bright yellow eyes, and a distinct facial disc. These unique birds are active during the day and nest in underground burrows.
Physical Traits
Burrowing owls are small birds that measure between 7 to 10 inches in length and weigh around 5 ounces. They have long legs which help them move quickly on the ground while hunting for prey. Their plumage is sandy brown with white speckles and they have a distinct facial disc with bright yellow eyes.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a burrowing owl is about 4 years in the wild and up to 10 years in captivity.
Habitat
Burrowing owls can be found in open landscapes such as prairies, deserts, grasslands, agricultural fields, pastures and other areas with low vegetation. They prefer areas with loose soil for digging their burrows which can range from 6 to 30 feet deep.
Diet
Their diet consists mainly of insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, crickets and caterpillars but they also feed on small mammals like mice or voles as well as reptiles and amphibians. Burrowing owls will also eat fruits or berries when available.
Reproduction
Burrowing owls breed during the spring months from March to June depending on the region they live in. The female will lay 3-11 eggs which she incubates for about 28 days until they hatch. The male will bring food for her while she is incubating the eggs and then both parents will take turns feeding the young until they fledge at around 8 weeks old.
Conservation Status
The burrowing owl is listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution range across North America and South America but it has become rare in many areas due to habitat loss or degradation caused by human activities such as urbanization or agricultural development.
Interesting Facts
- Burrowing owls often use abandoned burrows dug by other animals such as prairie dogs or badgers instead of digging their own burrow from scratch.
- Unlike most owl species that are nocturnal hunters, burrowing owls are active during the day which makes them easier to spot than other owl species.
- These birds are very vocal creatures that communicate through a variety of calls including hoots, barks and whistles which they use to attract mates or defend their territory against intruders.
