Burrowing Owl
NameBurrowing Owl
Common NameBurrowing Owl
Scientific NameAthene cunicularia
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)185
Plumage DetailsAdults have brown upperparts heavily spotted with white, and white underparts with brown barring. They possess prominent white eyebrows, bright yellow eyes, and a short tail. Juveniles are similar but have less distinct spotting and barring, often appearing more uniformly brown with a buffy belly.
Vocalization / CallTheir primary call is a two-note 'coo-coooo' or 'who-who'. When threatened in their burrows, they produce a distinctive hissing sound that mimics a rattlesnake to deter predators.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, prairie, desert, agricultural fields, open dry areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across open, dry grasslands and deserts of North and South America, from southern Canada through the western United States, Mexico, Central America, and much of South America.
Identifying Featureslong legs, short tail, bright yellow eyes, prominent white eyebrows, ground-dwelling, burrow-nesting, diurnal activity
Description
The Burrowing Owl is a small, long-legged owl found in open landscapes of North and South America. Unlike most owls, it is active during the day and nests in underground burrows, often dug by other animals. They are frequently seen standing on the ground or on low perches.
