A quirky resident of grasslands and deserts across the Americas, the burrowing owl is a little character unlike any other owl. Forget the image of a wise old owl perched on a tree branch – this little guy spends most of his time on the ground, looking more like a pint-sized owl-cow hybrid.
Standing tall on long, thin legs, the burrowing owl, unlike most owls, has a round head with no ear tufts. Its body is a mottled mix of brown and white, perfectly camouflaged against the dry earth and grasses it calls home. Bright yellow eyes peering out from its round face, completing its adorable, owlish expression.
Unlike their nocturnal relatives, burrowing owls are most active during the day, although they tend to take cover from the scorching midday sun. These owls are also resourceful and adaptable, making the most of the homes left behind by other creatures.
Burrowing owls are chatty little things. They use a variety of hoots, whistles, and clicks to communicate with each other, especially when feeling threatened or calling out to their mates. They even have a unique bobbing display where they stand tall and then abruptly bob down, a funny little owl dance to warn off intruders.
These owls are skilled hunters, using their keen eyesight and long legs to stalk prey on the ground. Their diet consists mainly of insects, like grasshoppers and beetles, but they’ll also snatch up small mammals like mice and lizards if the opportunity arises. With their sharp beaks and silent flight, they become a blur of feathers as they swoop down to catch their dinner.
Distribution
Antigua & Barbuda
Official estimate
Argentina
Aruba
Bahamas
Belize
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Falkland Islands
Guadeloupe
Official estimate
Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Mexico
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
South Georgia
St. Kitts & Nevis
Suriname
Trinidad & Tobago
United States
Uruguay
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
