The burrowing owl is a small, long-legged owl of open country in the Americas. It lives in underground burrows and is often seen standing at the entrance, bobbing its head at visitors.
Interesting facts
- Unlike most owls, burrowing owls are often active during the day.
- They nest underground, often in burrows dug by prairie dogs, ground squirrels or tortoises.
- Florida’s burrowing owls dig their own burrows.
- They spread mammal dung around their burrows, which attracts dung beetles for them to eat.
- Their long legs help them run after prey and see over grass.
- The species is endangered in Canada after steep declines.
Behaviour
Burrowing owls hunt at dawn and dusk and sometimes during the day, catching insects on foot or swooping from perches. Many northern birds migrate south for the winter.
Breeding and young
Females lay about six to twelve eggs in a burrow and incubate them for about four weeks while the male brings food.
Threats and conservation
Loss of grasslands and burrowing mammals, pesticides, road deaths and development.
Where to see it
- Cape Coral, Florida
- Salton Sea and the Imperial Valley, California
- Pampas of Argentina and grasslands of Brazil
- Grasslands of the western United States
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
