A small ground-dwelling owl that hunts during the day and lives in repurposed prairie dog or ground squirrel burrows. Charismatic, vocal, and shockingly threatened across most of its US range.

Native status: Native; declining due to prairie dog removal

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 30–45 cm (12–18 in); wingspan 75–86 cm
Weight250–340 g (8.8–12 oz); females larger
LifespanWild 5 years; oldest documented 14
OrderStrigiformes
FamilyStrigidae

§ Encyclopedia

The burrowing owl is a small, long-legged, primarily terrestrial—though not flightless—species of owl native to the open landscapes of North and South America. They are typically found in grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts, or any other open, dry area with low vegetation. They nest and roost in burrows, and, despite their common name, do not often construct these dwellings themselves, rather repurposing disused burrows or tunnels previously excavated and inhabited by other species, such as American badgers, foxes, ground squirrels or prairie dogs, among others.

Source: Wikipedia — Burrowing owl Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small long-legged owl with sandy-tan plumage and yellow eyes. Distinctive standing pose.

Similar species. Other small owls (typically cavity nesters). No other US owl regularly stands on the ground.

Voice. Soft "coo-cooo" call. Young hiss like rattlesnakes (defense by mimicry).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects (large portion of diet), small mammals, lizards, small birds.

Behavior. Diurnal owl that nests in burrows. Often perches on fence posts and burrow entrances. Active by day.

§ Range

Western US, Florida; declining or extirpated in much of central US

§ Habitat

Open dry grasslands, deserts, agricultural fields, prairies — wherever burrowing mammals create nest holes

§ Threats

Loss of prairie dog colonies (their housing!), conversion of grassland to row crops, pesticides in agricultural areas.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the burrowing owl is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Protect prairie dog colonies. Install artificial burrow systems on conservation lands. Avoid second-generation rodenticides.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • Burrowing Owl Conservation Network
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2018