Burrowing Owls: The Underground Dwellers

About Burrowing Owls

Appearance and Behavior

Burrowing Owls are small, sandy-colored owls with distinctive bright yellow eyes. They are unique among owls due to their preference for burrowing underground rather than nesting in trees. These owls typically inhabit burrows dug by prairie dogs, ground squirrels, or other small mammals.

Habitat and Diet

Burrowing Owls are found in grasslands, deserts, and open areas throughout the Americas. They primarily feed on small rodents, insects, and reptiles, which they hunt by perching near burrow entrances or flying low over the ground.

Conservation Status

Burrowing Owls face various threats, including habitat loss, collisions with vehicles, and persecution by humans. As a result, their populations have declined in some areas, leading to conservation efforts aimed at protecting these unique owls.