Burrowing Owl
Image: Nick Glover (cc-by-nc)
NameBurrowing Owl
Common NameBurrowing Owl
Scientific NameAthene cunicularia
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)55.5
Length (cm)23.5
Weight (g)190
Plumage DetailsAdults have sandy brown upperparts with white spotting, and white underparts with brown barring on the chest and flanks. They feature prominent white eyebrows, yellow eyes, and lack ear tufts. Their tail and flight feathers are barred.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, two-note 'coo-coooo' or 'hoo-hoo' call, a chattering alarm call, and a distinctive snake-like hiss when threatened inside their burrow.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, prairie, desert, agricultural fields, open fields
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across western North America, Florida, and much of South America, inhabiting open, treeless areas.
Identifying Featureslong legs, ground-dwelling, diurnal activity, prominent white eyebrows, lack of ear tufts, small size
Description
The Burrowing Owl is a small, long-legged owl found in open landscapes across the Americas. Unlike most owls, it is often active during the day and nests in underground burrows, which it either digs itself or takes over from other animals.
