LEGAL STATUS/PROTECTION:

The burrowing owl is federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S. and Mexico, and is listed as endangered, threatened, or as a Species of Concern in nine states, including California, where it is considered a Species of Special Concern by the California Department of Fish and Game.

MEASUREMENTS:

The Burrowing Owl is about 7 1/2 – 10 inches tall with a wingspan of 21 – 24 inches, and weighs 4 1/2 – 9 ounces. Unlike most owls, the male bird is slightly heavier and has a longer wingspan than the females.

HABITAT:

This owl is found in dry, open areas such as grasslands, farmlands, golf courses, and vacant lots in urban areas. It is broadly distributed throughout western North America, and also occurs in Florida, Central America, and most of South America.

DIET:

Burrowing Owls primarily feed on insects and small mammals, but they will also eat reptiles and amphibians. Burrowing Owls hunt while walking or running across the ground and by swooping down from a perch or hover, and they will catch insects from the air.

REPRODUCTION:

Mating begins in early spring. Burrowing Owls nest in open areas in a burrow dug by other animals such as ground squirrels. Owls may nest alone or in a group. The female lays 6 – 11 eggs that are incubated for 28 – 30 days. The young owls fledge in 6 weeks, but stay in the parent’s territory to forage. Burrowing Owls may be sexually mature at 1 year of age.

THREATS:

The greatest threat to burrowing owls is habitat destruction and degradation caused primarily by land development. Despite their protected status, burrowing owls are often displaced and their burrows destroyed during the development process. The natural life span of the Burrowing Owl is 6-8 years.

NAME DERIVATION:

The scientific name comes from the Greek word athene, referring to the Greek goddess of wisdom whose favorite bird was an owl, and the Latin word cunicularia, meaning a miner or burrower. Other common names are Billy Owl, Ground Owl, Long-legged Owl, Prairie Owl, and Prairie Dog Owl.

INTERESTING FACTS:

• The owlets have a remarkable defense mechanism. When threatened, they emit a noise that sounds just like a rattlesnake.
• Burrowing owls are known to “decorate” entrances to their nest burrow with manure from cows, horses, and/or dogs. Although the exact cause of this behavior is unknown, manure may protect the nest by masking the scent of the owls from potential predators.
• Human activities like cattle grazing and mowing as opposed to ground disking have benefited some local populations of Burrowing Owls.