Burrowing Owl

As its name implies, the Burrowing Owl lives in burrows in the ground.  It is unique to the southwest and western United States where it is found over much of the prairie land.  The populations have decreased significantly due to farming and development.  Another reason for the population decline is the elimination of the prairie dogs to make burrows.  However, the Burrowing Owl has learned to build colonies in vacant lots, golf courses, parks, pastures, airports and schools.  Some communities have taken small colonies "under their wing" so to speak and keep vacant areas out of development for these little owls.  The population of these birds is on the comeback and even seem to be expanding northward.

The Burrowing Owl stands about ten inches tall and seems to be mostly leg.  Their overall color is a light chocolate brown with a mixture of bars and spots.  Its face has a distinct white-and-black chin markings and it has small white spots on the top of the head.  Its eyes are yellow.  Immature birds lack the heavy spotting on the breast.  It is most often seen standing on small mounds of dirt at the entrance to its burrows, bobbing its head to gain depth perception.  Because it looks as if it is bobbing "hello" it is also called the "Howdy Owl".

This information taken from Favorite Birds of the Southwest by Dick Schnikel and David Mohrhardt.

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Last modified: July 06, 2005