Burrowing Owl
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Speo (formerly Athene) cunicularia
DESCRIPTION:
A small owl, 9 – 11 inches, with long legs and a short stubby tail. Owl’s wingspan is about twice his height, 20″-24″. He has no ear tufts and is earth brown in color with white spots. When agitated burrowing owl will bob up and down and can make an alarm call that imitates the sound of a rattlesnake.
LIFE HISTORY:
Life Span: 7-11 years in captivity, one wild banded owl lived 8 years and 8 months.
Clutch Size: 5 – 9 white eggs soiled by the earth, incubation +/- 28 days, both sexes incubate
Nest: Deserted ground squirrel or tortoise burrows lined with dried horse and cattle manure, feathers and other debris. When not disturbed they will use the same burrow year after year.
ECOLOGY:
Niche: An avid insect eater, burrowing owl will also eat small mammals (mostly rodents), and lizards. Most insects are caught in-flight.
Habitat: The open country of the foothills, valleys, and coast of central and southern California is home for burrowing owl. A ground dwelling owl, it is often seen standing in open prairies or on fence posts.
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