Burrowing Owl

A small, ground-dwelling owl found in the open deserts, grasslands, and agricultural areas of the Coachella Valley and surrounding regions. Unlike most owls, which are nocturnal, burrowing owls are active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Appearance

Burrowing owls have a compact body with long legs, allowing them to run across the ground. They are about 9–11 inches tall with a wingspan of 20–24 inches. Their feathers are light brown with white spots, providing excellent camouflage against dry, sandy terrain. They have large, expressive yellow eyes and a flattened facial disk, but lack the prominent ear tufts seen in some other owls.

Habitat and Behavior

These owls prefer open, treeless environments where they live in burrows, often repurposing abandoned tunnels dug by ground squirrels, badgers, or prairie dogs. If necessary, they will dig their own burrows. They are highly adaptable and can sometimes be found in human-modified landscapes such as golf courses, agricultural fields, and even airports.

Burrowing owls are known for their unique behaviors, such as bobbing up and down when alarmed and mimicking rattlesnake sounds to deter predators. They often perch near their burrows, scanning for insects, small mammals, and reptiles, which make up the bulk of their diet.

Adaptations and Survival Strategies

• Diurnal Activity – While they can hunt at night, burrowing owls are also active during daylight hours, making them more visible than other owls.
• Burrow Living – Their underground homes provide protection from extreme heat and predators.
• Dispersed Nesting – Unlike tree-nesting owls, burrowing owls spread out in colonies, reducing competition and predation risks.
• Droppings as a Tool – They sometimes place animal dung near their burrows to attract insects, particularly beetles, which they then eat.

Conservation Status

Burrowing owl populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and human development. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, artificial burrow programs, and land management strategies that support ground-dwelling wildlife.

Cultural Significance

In Native American and Mexican folklore, burrowing owls are sometimes seen as guardians of the underworld or symbols of wisdom and mystery. Today, they are admired for their quirky behavior and resilience in arid landscapes.