Athene cunicularia
The Burrowing Owl (*Athene cunicularia*) is a diminutive yet distinctive raptor, characterized by its remarkably long, slender legs, a short tail, and a flattened, round head devoid of ear tufts. Measuring approximately 19-28 cm (7.5-11 inches) in length with a wingspan of 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) and weighing 140-240 grams (5-8.5 ounces), its plumage is primarily sandy-brown with white spotting on the back and wings, a crisp white throat, and a prominent white eyebrow that contrasts sharply w...
Primarily inhabiting open, arid, or semi-arid environments, Burrowing Owls thrive in grasslands, prairies, deserts, agricultural fields, and even urban margins like golf courses. They prefer areas with short vegetation and readily available burrows, typically found at low to moderate elevations.
Burrowing Owls are opportunistic carnivores, feeding primarily on a diverse range of large insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles. Their diet also includes small mammals such as mice, voles, and ground squirrels, along with small birds, reptiles, and amphibians, all captured through act...
Burrowing Owls are often observed during daylight hours, standing at the entrance of their underground homes, though they are crepuscular and nocturnal hunters. Their foraging strategy involves running, hopping, or making short flights to pounce on prey, and they also hawk insects mid-air. Highly...
The Burrowing Owl's expansive range stretches across much of the Americas, from southern Canada through the western and central United States, Mexico, and Central America, extending into South America as far south as Patagonia. Breeding populations in North America are found from the Canadian Pra...
Least Concern
- Burrowing Owls are one of the few owl species that nest and roost almost entirely underground, relying on burrows dug by other animals. - When threatened in their burrow, they can mimic the distinct hissing sound of a rattlesnake to deter predators like badgers and foxes. - They have the longes...