Burrowing Owls stand out among their avian counterparts with their long legs, sandy-colored feathers, and bright-yellow eyes. Unlike most owls that are nocturnal, these intriguing birds are active during the day and are often seen hunting on the ground.

They make their homes in burrows, either digging them themselves or repurposing those left by prairie dogs, ground squirrels, or tortoises.

Dear Lykkers, found in grasslands, deserts, and other open habitats, Burrowing Owls primarily feed on insects and rodents. Unfortunately, their population has experienced significant decline due to habitat destruction and the reduced numbers of prairie dogs and ground squirrels.

Cool Facts About Burrowing Owls

Unique Gender Traits

Unlike many owl species where females are larger than males, Burrowing Owls have no noticeable size difference between the sexes. This rare feature adds to their uniqueness in the owl family.

Food Storage Experts

Burrowing Owls are known to store surplus food to secure their needs during incubation and brooding periods. These underground caches can grow to impressive sizes. For example, in Saskatchewan in 1997, one cache was found to contain over 200 rodents.

Adaptability in Housing

When natural burrows created by ground squirrels, prairie dogs, or desert tortoises are unavailable, Burrowing Owls exhibit remarkable adaptability. They have been observed nesting in human-made structures, such as piles of PVC pipes. Conservationists take advantage of this flexibility by creating artificial burrows using buckets, pipes, tubing, and other materials to support these owls.

Carbon Dioxide Tolerance

Burrowing Owls have a higher tolerance for carbon dioxide than most birds, an adaptation that allows them to spend extended periods underground. This trait is shared by other burrowing animals, enabling survival in environments where CO₂ levels can rise significantly.

Complex Conservation Challenges

Efforts to protect Burrowing Owls often present intricate ecological challenges. For instance, at a naval base near San Diego, California, conservationists had to balance the protection of Burrowing Owls with the needs of the endangered Least Terns, whose chicks occasionally become prey for the owls.

Home Decor with Purpose

Before laying eggs, Burrowing Owls often decorate the entrances of their burrows with animal dung, which attracts dung beetles and other insects that serve as food. Additionally, they have been known to collect items like bottle caps, metal foil, cigarette butts, and paper scraps. These decorations might act as signals to others that the burrow is occupied.

Longevity

The oldest recorded Burrowing Owl was at least 9 years and 11 months old when observed in California in 2014, showcasing the species' potential for long life under favorable conditions.

Burrowing Owls are extraordinary birds with unique traits and behaviors. From their daytime hunting to their underground lifestyles, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the adaptability and resilience of nature. However, continued efforts to preserve their habitats are vital to ensure the survival of these remarkable creatures for future generations.