Burrowing Owl
NameBurrowing Owl
Common NameBurrowing Owl
Scientific NameAthene cunicularia
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)53
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)180
Plumage DetailsAdults have sandy-brown plumage with white spotting on the back and wings, and white barring on the underparts. They feature prominent white eyebrows, a white throat patch, and bright yellow eyes. Juveniles are less spotted and more uniformly brown.
Vocalization / CallTheir primary call is a two-note 'coo-hoo' or 'hoo-hoo' sound. They also produce a variety of chattering, screeching, and alarm calls, including a distinctive rattlesnake-like hiss when threatened in their burrow.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, prairie, desert, agricultural fields, open dry areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across North and South America, from southern Canada through the western United States and Mexico, Central America, and much of South America.
Identifying Featuresbright yellow eyes, long legs, ground-dwelling, sandy-brown plumage with white spots/bars, lack of ear tufts, distinctive head-tilting
Description
The Burrowing Owl is a small, long-legged owl often seen standing on the ground or on low perches. Unlike most owls, it is active during the day and nests in underground burrows, often excavated by other animals. They are known for their distinctive head-tilting behavior, as seen in the image.
