The Burrowing Owl is a small, long-legged owl that nests underground in burrows dug by prairie dogs, ground squirrels, or tortoises — or sometimes dug by the owl itself. It is active during the day and often stands at the entrance to its burrow, bobbing up and down when alarmed. It lines its nest with mammal dung, thought to attract beetles that serve as prey.
Habitat
Open grasslands, prairies, and desert flats with burrowing mammals
Diet
Insects, small mammals, lizards, and small birds
How common
Uncommon
Recent Burrowing Owl sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Burrowing Owl? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free