BURROWING OWL
Athene cunicularia
DESCRIPTION
The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, ground-dwelling owl known for its unique behavior of nesting in burrows, often those made by prairie dogs or other mammals. It has a distinctive appearance with long legs and a round head, making it easily recognizable.
FUN FACTS
- Burrowing Owls are one of the few owl species that are active during the day | They often use dung to attract insects to their burrows | They have a unique vocalization that sounds like a series of chirps
QUICK INFO
Lifespan6-10 years in the wild
Average Weight150-250 g
Average Length19-28 cm
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social Structurepair, often found in small groups during the breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-June)
- Habitat
- Burrowing Owls inhabit open grasslands, deserts, and agricultural areas where they can find suitable burrowing sites. They prefer areas with low vegetation that allows for easy hunting.
- Biomes
- Grassland, Desert
- Native Range
- The native range of the Burrowing Owl extends from North America to South America, including parts of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Continent
- North America, South America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil
- Diet
- Burrowing Owls primarily feed on small mammals, insects, and other invertebrates. They are known to hunt during the day and can often be seen foraging on the ground.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, small mammals
- Social Structure
- pair, often found in small groups during the breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 2-10
- Territorial
- 1
CR
LC
150-250 g
Weight
19-28 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Brown and white mottled plumage with a light-colored face
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males and females are similar in appearance, but females are generally larger
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-12
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-June)
NT
Near Threatened
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Burrowing Owls is currently declining in some areas due to habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 10,000-20,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction, pesticide use, and competition with other species for burrowing sites. Urban development has significantly impacted their populations.
- Predators
- hawks, snakes, and larger mammals
- Defense Mechanisms
- Burrowing Owls use their burrows for protection and can also perform distraction displays to divert predators away from their young.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon