One of the most fascinating birds to observe is the Burrowing Owl. A creature of distinct personality with much vitality and liveliness, this is truly a raptor that anyone would like.
These little owls are uncommon and localized. They are found in flat, open areas, including short grass prairie. They often reside with prairie dogs and ground squirrels, who dig their own burrows.
They hunt for small rodents, like mice and voles, and also enjoy insects and lizards. Unless they are breeding or have young, they are solitary animals.
Burrowing Owls
Keys, OK 2017
What few groups there are reside year round in Florida, Texas, the Oklahoma panhandle, New Mexico, southern California, and Mexico. Some will also migrate to portions of the west and even to southwest Canadian provinces.
The biggest enemy of the Burrowing Owl is loss of habitat. Many prairie dogs were lost in the 1920s due to rampant pesticide use, which took away one of the owl's symbionts.
Through extensive research, enemy mammals of the species were found, and it was also discovered that they did well with manmade burrows. Cameras are placed in and around these surrogate living spaces, which has shown scientists the hatching of their young and their private lives as a species.
Both male and female adults are the same size. They are about ten inches tall and weigh roughly six ounces. They are diurnal, and are found both on the ground or atop fence posts. They use dung both in the burrows and around them to attract insects, which are used for food. Known by some as the howdy owl, these birds sometimes appear to be nodding as a form of greeting.
Some Burrowing Owls even nest within manmade areas of cities, such as Tucson, Arizona.
There are two subspecies, Florida and the Western. They are not difficult to tell apart, due to range, as well as the physical characteristics. The adult Florida has a streaked crown and is darker brown with white spots.
What subspecies is this owl?
Burrowing Owl
2018
