Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 7.5–9.8 in
19–25 cm - Wingspan
- 21.7 in
55 cm - Weight
- 5.3 oz
150 g
Other Names
- Chevêche des terriers (French)
- Lechuza llanera, Chicuate (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- Unlike most owls in which the female is larger than the male, the sexes of the Burrowing Owl are the same size.
- The Burrowing Owl appears to be diurnal because it can often be seen foraging during the day. In fact, it hunts all day and night long and is most active in the morning and evening. It catches more insects during the day and more mammals at night.
- The Burrowing Owl sometimes is placed into its own genus (Speotyto). Genetic similarity and overall appearance unite it with the other members of Athene. These are the Little Owl of Eurasia and northern Africa, the Spotted Owlet of southeastern Asia, and the extremely rare Forest Owlet, known only from a handful of specimens and sightings in India. Although the Little Owl is found in deserts and open areas, it is not nearly as terrestrial as the Burrowing Owl. It usually nests in tree cavities, although it will use a hole in a building or wall, and sometimes nests in rabbit holes.
- The Burrowing Owl collects mammal dung and puts it in and around its burrow. The dung attracts dung beetles, which the owl then captures and eats.
Habitat
Grassland
Lives in dry, open areas with no trees and short grass. Found on golf courses, cemeteries, airports, vacant lots, university campuses, pastures, and prairie dog towns.
Food
Insects
Insects, scorpions, small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 2–12 eggs
- Egg Description
- White.
- Condition at Hatching
- Helpless, eyes closed, covered in grayish white down.
Nest Description
Nests in burrow, often dug by a mammal. Burrow can be several meters long, with numerous twists and turns. Often lined with horse or cow manure.
Nest Placement
Burrow
Behavior
Aerial Dive
Catches food with feet. Hunts by walking, hopping, or running along the ground, or by flying from perch.
Conservation
Least Concern
Populations declining in many areas; listed as endangered or threatened in some states and provinces. Collision with cars is a major source of mortality. Human activities have increased the species' range in Florida.
Credits
- Haug, E. A., B. A. Millsap, and M. S. Martell. 1993. Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia). In The Birds of North America, No. 61 (A. Poole, and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.
- Levy, D. J., R. S. Duncan, and C. F. Levins. 2004. Use of dung as a tool by burrowing owls. Nature 431: 39.