Burrowing Owl
Image: nerdynaturalist (cc-by-nc)
NameBurrowing Owl
Common NameBurrowing Owl
Scientific NameAthene cunicularia
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)23.5
Weight (g)190
Plumage DetailsAdults have brown upperparts with white spotting and barring, and white underparts with brown barring. They have prominent white eyebrows, bright yellow eyes, and a short tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a two-note 'coo-coooo' or 'who-who' call, often given by males. When threatened in its burrow, it produces a distinct rattlesnake-like hiss.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, prairie, desert, agricultural fields, rangeland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across western North America, Florida, and much of South America, inhabiting open, treeless areas.
Identifying Featureslong legs, short tail, bright yellow eyes, white eyebrows, brown and white mottled plumage, ground-dwelling, diurnal activity
Description
The Burrowing Owl is a small, long-legged owl found in open landscapes across the Americas. Unlike most owls, it is active during the day and nests in underground burrows, often dug by other animals.
