Burrowing OwlAthene cuniculariaWhere and when to see them

The burrowing owl is a small, long-legged owl of open landscapes, unusual for spending much of its time on the ground. Florida's resident population belongs to a distinctive subspecies that commonly excavates its own burrows in sandy soil. Birds may occupy vacant lots, pastures and other human-modified spaces, but apparent tolerance of people does not make their nests resilient. Development, vehicles, mowing and disturbance can destroy occupied burrows or reduce nearby feeding habitat.

Size

19-25 cm long

Weight

120-250 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Burrowing owls often stand upright beside a burrow entrance or on a low post, scanning for both prey and danger. They hunt by running, hopping or making short flights, with activity extending through daylight and twilight as well as night. Alarmed birds bob and retreat underground. During nesting, adults deliver food to the burrow and guard the surrounding area, while older chicks gather near the entrance before becoming independent. Owls may line their burrows with various materials, including mammal dung, which is thought to help regulate temperature and deter predators. They often exhibit a head-bobbing motion when curious or alert, constantly assessing their surroundings.

• Florida burrowing owls often dig their own burrows.
• Young birds can produce a defensive hiss resembling a rattlesnake's warning.
• Unlike many owls, they are frequently visible in daylight.
• Adults sometimes place animal dung near burrows, attracting insects that can become prey.

Florida birds can be observed throughout the year because the local population is resident. Late winter and spring may bring more visible activity around nesting areas, but also require greater restraint. Cooler morning and evening periods are often more comfortable for patient, distant viewing. In Florida, nesting typically occurs from February to July, with peak activity in March and April. Observing during these months offers a chance to see adult owls bringing food to their young and fledglings emerging from burrows.

Short grass, sparse vegetation and well-drained soils are essential features. In Florida, suitable places include dry prairie, pasture, airfield margins and some residential landscapes. These are primarily inland or terrestrial habitats, not beaches, mangrove creeks or densely wooded coastal wetlands. They readily adapt to disturbed habitats, often colonizing agricultural lands, golf courses, and urban vacant lots. Nests are typically found in abandoned mammal burrows, especially those of gophers or ground squirrels, but owls may also excavate their own.

Large insects make up much of the diet, alongside small mammals, lizards, frogs and other manageable vertebrates. Prey selection changes with local availability and season. Beetles, grasshoppers and crickets are frequent foods, and small prey may be captured while the owl runs across open ground. Insects are often caught on the ground or in low flight, while larger prey like rodents might be ambushed from a low perch. They are opportunistic predators, and their diet can include scorpions and small snakes depending on local availability.

Common name

Burrowing Owl

Scientific name

Athene cunicularia

Animal group

Birds

Size

19-25 cm long

Weight

120-250 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Its long bare-looking legs, ground-level burrow association and lack of ear tufts distinguish it from Florida's stockier, tree-associated small owls. Their bright yellow eyes and white eyebrows give them a distinctive, intense stare. The overall plumage is sandy brown with white spotting and barring, providing excellent camouflage against dry, grassy backgrounds.