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Manatee County

Audubon Society

Burrowing Owl

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Name

Burrowing Owl

Scientific Name

(Athene cunicularia)

Why they are special:
  • A small, long-legged owl that makes its home in underground burrows, often abandoned by mammals like gophers or armadillos.

  • Unique among owls for being diurnal, active during daylight hours.

Size and color:
  • Small owl, 7–10 inches long with a wingspan of 21–24 inches.

  • Brown with white spotting on the back and wings, pale underparts with streaks, and bright yellow eyes.

  • Short tail and rounded head without ear tufts.

Seasonality in Florida:
  • Year-round resident, most common in open grasslands and prairie habitats.

Habitat:
  • Open fields, pastures, airports, and sandy soils suitable for burrows.

  • Often seen perched atop burrows or fence posts, scanning for prey.

Diet:
  • Primarily insects, but also small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Behavior:
  • Active during the day; can often be observed standing upright on the ground or near the burrow entrance.

  • Nests in burrows; some owls dig their own while others use abandoned mammal tunnels.

Conservation notes:
  • Populations are declining in parts of Florida due to habitat loss, development, and vehicle collisions.

  • Benefit from open, minimally disturbed grasslands.

Best time to see:
  • Year-round, especially during daylight hours in open fields and pastures.

Fun Fact:
  • Burrowing Owls have been observed using old burrows in urban areas, showing remarkable adaptability to human landscapes.

 

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