Burrowing Owl Basics
There is a lot of good information about Burrowing Owls on the web. This is a brief summary that will explain the nature of these owls, their basic biology and habits. Additional information can be obtained at the links provided.
Description
Very Basically... A Short Fat Little Owl on Stilts, About the Size of a Can of Pop...
More scientifically...
The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea) is a small ground dwelling owl with long legs.
They have a round head, no ear tufts, white eyebrows and bright yellow eyes.
Adult Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea)
They have a prominent white chin stripe.
They are sandy coloured on the head, back and upper parts of the wings, with a brown and white mottling on the breast and belly.
There is little colour difference (or sexual dimorphism) between males and females.
Unlike most birds of prey, the females tend to be slightly smaller. In breeding season, the females are also darker, possibly due to extended nesting periods in the burrow .
Juveniles are brown on the head, back and wings, with cream white belly and chest. They moult into their adult plumage during their first summer.
Juveniles are brown on the head, back and wings, with cream white belly and chest. They moult into their adult plumage during their first summer.
Vital Statistics:
- Length: 21 - 28 cm ( 8.5 - 11 inches )
- Wingspan: 51 - 61 cm ( 20 - 24 inches )
- Weight: 160 - 240 g ( 0.429 - 0.643 lb )
Brodie, a breeding male