Athene cunicularia ORDER: STRIGIFORMES FAMILY: STRIGIDAE
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
© Gerrit Vyn
True to its name, the Burrowing Owl nests in a hole in the ground. Although it is quite willing to dig its own burrow, it often uses one already provided by prairie dogs, skunks, armadillos, or tortoises.
No other owl is commonly seen on the ground and during the day. Short-eared Owl is twice the size, has a streaked, often orangish chest, has proportionately shorter legs and much longer wings and tail. The diagnostic short ear tufts often are not visible.
Burrowing Owls of the Salton Sea: story and photos in Living Bird magazine