ExploreBird

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

Burrowing Owl

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

Burrowing Owls can live in amazing underground homes because they take over and adapt burrows dug by other animals.

Burrowing Owls have a clever defense that helps them scare away predators by making a buzzing sound just like a rattlesnake.

Burrowing Owls can hunt for food during the day because of their sharp eyesight, unlike many other nocturnal owls.

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

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Aerial

Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.

Burrowing

Dig deep and discover animals that build amazing homes underground! They create tunnels and chambers to stay safe, find food, or escape the weather.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!