The Burrowing Owl: A Small Bird with a Big Personality

A Long-Legged, Underground-Dwelling Owl

The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small owl with distinctive long legs that lives in open landscapes throughout North and South America. It's also known as the shoco due to its high-pitched, barking call. Despite its small size, the burrowing owl has a unique and captivating personality.

Description and Behavior

The burrowing owl is a small owl with a sandy-colored body, barred underparts, and bright yellow eyes. It's known for its long legs and terrestrial habits, often seen foraging on the ground for insects, small rodents, and reptiles. Unlike most owls, which are nocturnal, the burrowing owl is active both during the day and night.

Burrowing Habits

The burrowing owl lives underground in burrows that it digs itself or takes over from other animals, such as prairie dogs or ground squirrels. These burrows provide shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions. The burrowing owl is a solitary bird, but it occasionally forms small colonies during the breeding season.