Burrowing Owl - Athene cunicularia

The Burrowing Owl is the only owl in North and Central America that lives in a hole in the ground. It can often be found sitting at the entrance of its burrow in the daytime although it is mainly crepuscular or nocturnal. Here you will find photos, recordings and a brief field notes section to help identify and enjoy this beautiful owl. A more in depth write up and range map can be found in its natural history page (the Biology link). To jump immediately to any of these sections use the Page Jump Links below.

Male's primary and territorial defense song. Heard only near the burrow.

The Burrowing Owl is mainly diurnal although it may forage at all times of the day and night depending on prey availability. It can often be seen in the mid-day as it sits at or near the entrance to its burrow. It usually forages for insects in the day and small mammals in the evening so it may become largely nocturnal in the winter months when the insects are low. The burrows are generally vacated rodent holes as the owl does not generally dig its own. The Burrowing Owl is readily distinguished with its long legs as none of the other small owls have distinctive long legs. In adults, the under parts are barred, rather than streaked as in other small owls, although the juveniles lack barring and are buffy below. The adults are alike but the males tend to be lighter, more grayish brown and not as heavily barred below. The iris is yellow and the bill is yellowish or light grayish. Length is 9 1/2" (about the size of a Meadowlark with long legs).