Burrowing Owl

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The burrowing owl is a small, long-legged owl that can be found in North and South America. Its habitat is on grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts or any dry area with low vegetation. It nests and roosts in burrows such as those excavated by prairie dogs. Most of their hunting is done dusk to dawn; but unlike most owls, it is also active during the day. They range from 7.5-11 inches long, with a wingspan of 20-24 inches and weigh between 4.9-8.5 oz. They are slightly larger than an American robin. They don't have any "horns" or tufts on their heads. In the United States the western burrowing owl is found in the southern portion of western Canada through the Great Plains south to Central America. The Florida burrowing owl is found is Florida and the Bahamas. They can live 9 years in the wild. They have many natural enemies including the badger, coyote, snake, cat and dog. They eat mainly large insects and small rodents. They will also consume small lizards, frogs, termites, crickets and occasionally a bird. They also eat fruits and seeds, prickly pear and cholla cactus. Burrowing owls often nest and roost in burrows made by ground squirrels, which are also used by rattlesnakes. When threatened, it will retreat to the burrow and make rattling and hissing sounds. The enemy thinks that there's a snake in the burrow and retreats. Photo Credit: Pixabay