The burrowing owl is a small, long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. These owls get their name from their habit of nesting underground in burrows that have been dug out by small mammals like prairie dogs and ground squirrels. Burrowing owls are active during the day and can often be seen perching at the entrance to their burrows or on fence posts scanning for prey. They feed mainly on insects, small rodents, amphibians, and reptiles.
Burrowing owls are currently listed as endangered, threatened, or a species of special concern in most of their North American range. The major threats facing burrowing owls include habitat loss, vehicle collisions, rodent control programs, and climate change. Their populations have declined significantly since the early 1900s as grasslands and prairies have been converted to agriculture and urban areas.
Historical Population
Prior to European settlement, burrowing owls likely numbered in the hundreds of thousands across the Great Plains and grasslands of North America. However, the conversion of native grasslands to farms and ranches led to steep declines in burrowing owl populations by the early 1900s. It is estimated that the pre-Columbian population was 350,000–2,000,000 owls.
By the 1940s-1950s, burrowing owl populations were believed to be stable but still reduced from historical numbers. One estimate from the 1940s put the total North American population at around 25,000 pairs. However, more recent analysis suggests the population was continuing to decline during this time period.
Current Population Status
Unfortunately, burrowing owl populations have continued to decline over the past several decades. They have disappeared completely from some regions where they were once common, including most of central and eastern Canada. The total adult burrowing owl population is now thought to number less than 30,000 pairs across North America.
Some of the most significant declines have occurred in the Canadian prairies, where burrowing owl populations have dropped by up to 99% in the past five decades. British Columbia’s population declined by 94% between 1988-1998. Many states including Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Montana have also seen declines of 50% or more since the 1980s.
The largest remaining burrowing owl populations are found in the western Great Plains of the United States. Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming harbor an estimated combined population of 10,000-20,000 owls. Other states with sizable burrowing owl populations include California, Florida, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.
Regional Population Estimates
State/Province | Population Estimate |
---|---|
Colorado | 8,000-9,000 |
Montana | 1,500-3,000 |
Nebraska | 2,500-10,000 |
Wyoming | 2,500-5,000 |
California | 7,000-9,000 |
Florida | 4,000-5,000 |
New Mexico | 5,000-10,000 |
Oregon | 1,000-3,000 |
Texas | 5,000-10,000 |
Washington | 1,000-2,000 |
Threats and Conservation Actions
The precarious situation of the burrowing owl underscores the need for continued conservation efforts. Some of the main threats that must be addressed include:
- Habitat loss due to agriculture, urban development, and energy production
- Decline of burrowing mammals like prairie dogs that provide nesting burrows
- Vehicle collisions and collisions with wind turbines
- Secondary poisoning from rodenticides
- Climate change impacts on nesting phenology and prey populations
Important conservation actions that could help stabilize burrowing owl populations include:
- Protection and restoration of grasslands and native prairie habitats
- Installation of artificial nest boxes where burrows are limited
- Working with landowners to utilize owl-friendly management practices
- Establishing roadway buffers near nesting areas
- Reducing rodenticide use near owl habitats
- Monitoring and adaptive management of local populations
With sustained conservation efforts, it may be possible to reverse the declines of the burrowing owl in many parts of its range. But recovery can only happen if the major threats are addressed and sufficient habitat is conserved to support stable breeding populations. The future of this iconic little owl ultimately depends on our commitment to protecting and restoring native grassland ecosystems.
Conclusion
The burrowing owl was once a common sight in open grasslands across North America, but decades of habitat destruction have reduced the population to less than 30,000 pairs. This medium-sized owl continues to face threats from agriculture, urban expansion, vehicle strikes, and rodent control programs. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting remaining grasslands, installing artificial burrows, and reducing rodenticide poisoning could help stabilize populations, but significant habitat restoration is needed to bring burrowing owls back from the brink.
With coordinated multi-state and province conservation actions, it is possible these owls could once again thrive, but it will require a societal commitment to preserving our remaining native prairies. The fate of the burrowing owl highlights the importance of safeguarding endangered grassland species throughout the Great Plains regions of the United States and Canada.