Yes, burrowing owls do live in the United States. The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. Burrowing owls are well known for nesting in underground burrows, especially those dug by prairie dogs and ground squirrels. They can be found in grasslands, deserts, prairies, agricultural fields, and even golf courses across much of the western and southern United States.
Quick Facts About Burrowing Owls
Here are some key facts about burrowing owls in the US:
- Scientific name: Athene cunicularia
- Average length: 7.5-10 inches
- Wingspan: 21-24 inches
- Weight: 4.4-8.6 ounces
- Lifespan: Up to 9 years in the wild
- Diet: Insects, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians
- Population in US: Estimated at less than 300,000
- Breeding season: Varies by latitude, typically March to August
- Clutch size: 4-12 eggs
- Incubation period: 28-30 days
- Age of maturity: 1 year
Range and Distribution
Burrowing owls live year-round in much of the southern half of the United States. They can be found in states like:
- California
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Kansas
- Florida
In the summer months, their breeding range extends further north into states such as:
- Oregon
- Idaho
- Colorado
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- North Dakota
The highest densities of burrowing owls are found in Florida, Texas, California and the grasslands of the Great Plains. However, habitat loss and declining populations have reduced their historical range in many areas.
Habitat
Burrowing owls require open, treeless landscapes with low, sparse vegetation. This allows them to hunt effectively and watch for predators. Their essential habitat features are:
- Short, sparse grasses, prairies, or desert vegetation
- Areas with low shrubs or cacti
- Underground rodent burrows for nesting and shelter
Some specific places burrowing owls nest include:
- Prairie dog towns
- Cattle pastures
- Agricultural fields
- Airports
- University campuses
- Golf courses
- Roadside ditches
- Vacant urban lots
Nesting and Reproduction
Burrowing owls nest in abandoned burrows dug by ground squirrels, prairie dogs, badgers, coyotes, or foxes. They may also use man-made structures like pipes, culverts, nest boxes, or excavated holes. Breeding pairs often return to the same burrow site each year.
The female lays a clutch of 4-12 white eggs and incubates them for 28-30 days while the male provides food. The young owlets hatch with eyes closed and stay in the nest burrow for about 2 weeks. They emerge from the burrow at around 3 weeks old and can fly at 4 weeks.
Burrowing owls may produce two clutches in a good breeding season. Pairs are monogamous and mate for life with low rates of “divorce.” Adults frequently reuse old nests, adding a new layer of debris each year.
Behavior
Burrowing owls exhibit several interesting behaviors:
- Active during the day and at twilight
- Bob their heads when alarmed
- Make a “coo-coo” territorial song
- Form loose nesting colonies
- Often perch on fence posts or the rim of burrow
- Migrate at night in some northern populations
- Male performs distracting displays and “broken wing act” to lure predators away from nest
Burrowing owls are somewhat tolerant of human presence. Their total population in North America is estimated at less than 300,000 pairs.
Diet
Burrowing owls are opportunistic predators and eat a wide variety of prey, including:
- Insects: grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, scorpions
- Small mammals: mice, voles, ground squirrels, pocket gophers
- Birds: sparrows, quails
- Reptiles: lizards, snakes
- Amphibians: frogs, toads
They typically hunt from perches or while walking/running along the ground. Burrowing owls will cache extra food in their burrow for later consumption.
Threats and Conservation
Burrowing owl populations have declined significantly over the past 150 years. Major threats include:
- Habitat loss due to urban development and agriculture
- Control of prairie dogs and ground squirrels
- Increased predation rates
- Vehicle collisions
- Pesticides reducing prey populations
Conservation efforts focus on protecting grasslands from development, limiting pesticide use, and managing prey rodent populations. Installing artificial nest burrows has helped establish new colonies in some areas.
Fun Facts
- Often roost in groups outside the burrow, appearing like lawn ornaments
- Have bright yellow eyes and long legs unlike most owls
- Sometimes chase each other on the ground like roadrunners
- Male and female take turns incubating the eggs
- Young owlets make hissing sounds to beg for food
- Will defend nest by striking with feet and snapping bill
- Also known as the ground owl or prairie dog owl
Conclusion
In summary, burrowing owls are unique small owls that inhabit prairies, grasslands, and deserts across much of North America. They nest underground in burrows dug by other animals and forage for insects, small rodents, and other prey. While still fairly common in the western states, habitat loss has reduced their populations in recent decades. Maintaining suitable grassland habitat will be key to the continued survival of these special owls in the United States.