Wildlife
Burrowing owls are closely related to the British little owl, and live in North and South America. They differ from other owls since they are active mainly in the daytime, and the female is smaller than the male.
Scientific name: Athene cunicularia
Rank: Species
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Dung décor
Burrowing owls trap beetles by decorating their home entrance with dung.
Burrowing owls trap beetles by decorating their home entrance with dung.
Prime Patagonia
Underground dwellings in windswept Patagonia require constant guarding from squatters.
Underground dwellings in windswept Patagonia require constant guarding from squatters.
Urban living
Young owls will have to avoid the dangers of city living if they are to survive in Silicon Valley.
Young owls will have to avoid the dangers of city living if they are to survive in Silicon Valley.
Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.
The Burrowing owl can be found in a number of locations including: North America, South America. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Burrowing owl distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Least Concern
Year assessed: 2009
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a tiny but long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. Burrowing Owls can be found in grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts, or any other open dry area with low vegetation. They nest and roost in burrows, such as those excavated by prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.). Unlike most owls, Burrowing Owls are often active during the day, although they tend to avoid the midday heat. But like many other kinds of owls, Burrowing Owls do most of their hunting from dusk until dawn, when they can use their night vision and hearing to their advantage.
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Predation defence
Camouflage
Carnivorous
Adapted to flying
Burrower
Acoustic communication
Monogamous
Moulting
Egg layer
Parental investment
Predator