Burrowing Owl

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Burrowing Owls are small migratory owls that live around and breed in ground burrows.

They are a somewhat adaptable species, making their homes in both grassland and desert areas across the Western United States, except for the immediate coastal areas. Those breeding in northern locations migrate south to the southern border states and Mexico for the winter. They usually choose existing burrows dug by ground mammals or tortoises for homes, however some are known to dig their own burrows.

Burrowing owls not particularly adverse to interactions with humans, often living around human population centers. The burrowing owl in the picture, for example, was hopping along a parking lot at dusk looking for a meal.

Their diet consists of insects and small mammals.

© 2007 Patricia A. Michaels