Our Animals
FUN FACT
Unlike most owls, which are nocturnal, Burrowing Owls are active both day and night.
Burrowing Owls are a small, long-legged species of owl that spends the majority of its time on the ground. They are native to open grassland, prairie, and desert habitats and range from southern Canada (where they are considered an endangered species) to the drier habitats of South America. They have also been found nesting in man-made structures and in close proximity with people on golf courses, campuses, and suburbs. Burrowing Owls differ from most owls in a variety of ways. They are primarily terrestrial and nest underground, while the majority of owls are cavity nesters or use the nests of other birds, such as crows or hawks. This owl’s habit of nesting in colonies in underground burrows across flat, treeless habitats has put it in competition with many kinds of human development, such as agriculture, housing plans, golf courses, and airports. As a result, programs exist to safely translocate Burrowing Owls and to attract them to nearby protected sites using artificial burrows.
Thank You to Our Burrowing Owl Habitat Sponsor:
Habitat
Grasslands, steppes, deserts; often found in agricultural fields, golf courses, cemeteries, and airports
Diet
Small rodents, large insects, invertebrates
Status
Least Concern
Breeding
Burrowing Owls nest in abandoned mammal burrows. They lay 3-12 eggs which the female incubates for 28 days. Chicks leave the nest and begin hunting at approximately 6 weeks of age.
The National Aviary is home to more than 500 birds and other animals representing 150 species; some of which live in behind-the-scenes habitats. To enhance our guests’ educational experience, and with regard to individual bird preferences, different species may spend time in various public-facing habitats.