Burrowing Owl
Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0

Owls

Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia

LCLeast Concern
Family
Owls (Strigidae)
Order
Strigiformes

Overview

The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged, primarily terrestrial—though not flightless—species of owl native to the open landscapes of North and South America. They are typically found in grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts, or any other open, dry area with low vegetation. They nest and roost in burrows, and, despite their common name, do not often construct these dwellings themselves, rather repurposing disused burrows or tunnels previously excavated and inhabited by other species, such as American badgers (Taxidea taxus), foxes (Vulpes sp.), ground squirrels or prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.), among others.
Unlike most owls, burrowing owls are often active during the day, although they tend to avoid the heat of midday.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.