Burrowing Owl
ExploreBirds
Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia
Burrowing owls are small owls that live underground in burrows. They have bright yellow eyes and long legs, and they are active during the day, unlike most owls.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Burrowing Owl is a small, sandy-brown owl with strikingly bright yellow eyes and prominent white eyebrows. It has long, bare legs and a short tail, making it look quite different from other owls and perfectly camouflaged in open, dry habitats.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyStrigidaeGenusAthene
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
1
Interesting facts
Burrowing owls bob their heads up and down when curious or alarmed. So quirky!
Their long legs help them sprint and quickly pounce on ground-dwelling prey.
They often stand on one leg, looking like tiny statues in the grass!
They use burrows for safety, nesting, and raising their adorable fluffy owlets.
Special abilities
Ability
Underground Architect
Burrowing Owls can live in amazing underground homes because they take over and adapt burrows dug by other animals.
Ability
Rattlesnake Mimic
Burrowing Owls have a clever defense that helps them scare away predators by making a buzzing sound just like a rattlesnake.
Ability
Daytime Hunter
Burrowing Owls can hunt for food during the day because of their sharp eyesight, unlike many other nocturnal owls.
Ability
Poo Decorator
Burrowing Owls have a unique way to trick insects into their home that helps them find food by lining their burrow with dung.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 19-28 cm
- Wingspan
- 50-60 cm
- Weight
- 0.14-0.24 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years
- Top Speed
- 60 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 6-11
- Incubation
- 28-30 days
- Migration Distance
- 1500 km
Diet & Feeding
These owls primarily munch on insects and small mammals found in grasslands and open areas!
Primary Foods
- Grasshoppers
- Beetles
- Mice
- Voles
- Lizards
- Scorpions
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
depends on
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Cynomys ludovicianus
Uses their abandoned burrows as homes.
hunts
California Vole
Microtus californicus
A common small mammal prey item.
eaten by
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Young owls are vulnerable to predation.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Adult owls can be prey for raptors.
hunts
Gray Bird Grasshopper
Schistocerca nitens
A major insect food source.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
Ground OwlPrairie Owl
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
If you see a burrowing owl in the wild, admire it from a distance and avoid disturbing its burrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Burrowing Owl?
19-28 cm
What is Burrowing Owl's wingspan?
50-60 cm
How much does Burrowing Owl weigh?
0.14-0.24 kg
How long does Burrowing Owl live?
6-10 years
How fast can Burrowing Owl move?
60 km/h
What does Burrowing Owl eat?
These owls primarily munch on insects and small mammals found in grasslands and open areas!
Where is Burrowing Owl usually found?
Grasslands
How does Burrowing Owl hunt?
Pursuit
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