Burrowing Owl Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Burrowing Owls are small owls with long legs and short tails. The head is rounded and does not have ear tufts.

    Relative Size

    About the same length/height as an American Robin but much bulkier; slightly smaller than a Western Screech-Owl.

    Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow
    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 7.5-9.8 in (19-25 cm)
      • Weight: 5.3 oz (150 g)
      • Wingspan: 21.6 in (55 cm)

Regional Differences

Burrowing Owls have a very wide range that extends to the tip of South America and includes many subspecies, but there are few clear differences in plumage. The subspecies that occurs in Florida and the Caribbean tends to be slightly smaller, with whiter spots, than Burrowing Owls of the West.

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