Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia

Identification: A small owl without feather (formerly known as ear) tufts. Burrowing Owls are brown with spots of buff and dull white above, whitish below and heavily barred with brown along the flanks. The eyebrows, lower half of the face, and bib are white and the eyes are yellow. These owls are 8-9 inches long with a wingspread reaching 22 inches. This species is often found nesting in colonies.

Range & Habitat: This owl is primarily a western species, occurring commonly in southwestern Canada, the western states and lower South America. This species also occurs in Florida from Alachua County south to Monroe County. In Florida, Burrowing Owls are found on dry prairies and altered habitats such as golf courses, ballfields and airports.

Reproduction: These owls nest in the deserted burrows of mammals such as prairies dog, woodchuck and skunk, or in holes dug in soft soil by the owls themselves. In Florida, they may use an abandoned Gopher Tortoise burrow for their nest. Burrows provide habitat for numerous other species, including reptiles, amphibians and insects. The cavity may be lined with feathers, grasses or other debris. Clutch size is typically 5-7 white eggs, incubated for about 3 weeks by both parents. It is unknown at what age the young birds begin to fly.

Diet: This small owl takes insects, small mammals, toads and occasionally small birds.

Remarks: Calls are a cackling alarm note and a two-note "coo-o-o-o." which resembles the call of a Mourning Dove. Although the owl nests on the ground, it does not spend all of its time there. It does fly and perch, usually on fence posts and utility wires. This is one of the few species of owl that fits into the niche known as crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). When approached too closely, the Burrowing Owl will bob up and down and finally dive into its burrow rather than take flight.