Burrowing Owl

A small, ground-dwelling owl of the desert and open landscapes. Found near the Salton Sea and in Mojave and Colorado Deserts, it often uses abandoned burrows for shelter and nests. With bright yellow eyes and mottled brown-and-white plumage, it blends into its arid surroundings. Active day and night, it hunts insects and small vertebrates, helping control local pest populations. Though not endangered, habitat loss threatens their numbers. Spotting one—standing about 8–10 inches tall—is a real treat for any bird enthusiast.