Burrowing Owl

Identification

The burrowing owl is a small, long-legged owl with distinctive features that set it apart from other owl species. It has bright eyes, a flattened facial disc, and notably lacks ear tufts. Depending on the subspecies, the beak ranges from dark yellow to gray. One of the most striking characteristics is the prominent white eyebrows and white "chin" patch, which the bird expands and displays during certain behaviors, such as head bobbing when agitated. Adults display brown heads and wings.

Range & Habitat

The burrowing owl is native to the open landscapes of North and South America, with 18 recognized subspecies distributed across the continent. They are typically found in grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts, and any other open, dry area with low vegetation. The species ranges from southern Canada through the Great Plains and Central America, with populations also found throughout South America, including the Andes Mountains, the Brazilian altiplano, and as far south as Tierra del Fuego. Caribbean populations occur in various island locations.

True to their name, burrowing owls nest and roost in burrows, though they do not typically excavate these themselves. Instead, they repurpose disused burrows and tunnels previously created by other species, such as American badgers, foxes, ground squirrels, and prairie dogs.

Behaviour & Diet

Unlike most owls, burrowing owls are often active during the day, though they tend to avoid the intense heat of midday. They are primarily crepuscular hunters, utilizing their excellent night vision and attuned hearing to maximum effect during sunrise and sunset. Their adaptation to open grassland and prairie habitats has resulted in notably longer legs than other owl species—a trait that enables them to sprint when pursuing prey, similar to the greater roadrunner. These longer legs also provide momentum for takeoff, though burrowing owls typically only become airborne in short bursts, such as when fleeing threats, and generally do not fly very high off the ground.

Best Time & Places to See It

Burrowing owls are best observed during dawn and dusk hours when they are most actively hunting. Look for them in open habitats such as grasslands, prairies, rangelands, and desert regions across their range. In North America, the western subspecies inhabits suitable habitat from southern Canada southward. The Florida subspecies can be found in that state and the Bahamas. South American travelers may encounter various subspecies in appropriate habitats throughout the continent, from the Andean foothills to the lowlands of southern regions.

Photography Tips

The burrowing owl's daytime activity and preference for open habitats make it more accessible to photographers than many owl species. Position yourself in open grassland or prairie during early morning or late afternoon light to capture them actively hunting or perched near burrow entrances. Their distinctive facial markings—particularly the white eyebrows and chin patch—are excellent focal points for close-up shots. Watch for their characteristic head-bobbing behavior when they are agitated, which can provide dynamic photographic opportunities. Their long legs and compact size relative to other owls offer unique compositional possibilities.