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Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia ORDER: STRIGIFORMES FAMILY: STRIGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Burrowing Owl Photo

© L. Page Brown/CLO

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.

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Appearance

Owls
Owls
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small owl.
  • No ear tufts.
  • Long legs.
  • Short tail.
  • Spots on back.
  • Bars on front.
  • Found on ground in open country.

Immature Description

Juvenile with unstreaked chest and few spots on back. Chest buff or dirty white, with dark collar

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Similar Species

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.