Have you ever heard of an owl that nests in the ground? I hadn’t until a friend sent me these stunning photos from South Florida of Burrowing Owls. These odd birds either dig their own burrows or take over those made by prairie dogs, skunks, or tortoises. Burrows can be 4 to 8 feet under the ground and are lined with grass, feathers, and animal dung. In winter the Owls roost there.
Burrowing Owls are year-round residents of South Florida, Texas, the Southwest states, as well as Central and South America. In summer their breeding range extends northward into the Western half of the U.S. They live in dry, open areas with no trees and short grass such as cemeteries, vacant lots, prairie dog villages, and pastures. These pictures were taken in a grassy open area near the beach.
Small by Owl standards, Burrowing Owls are only about 9 inches high and lack the distinctive ear tufts. Unlike their mostly nocturnal cousins, these pint-sized predators hunt both day and night, catching more insects during the day and small mammals at night. They also eat frogs, lizards, birds, and snakes.
I’m glad that I learned about this fascinating Owl, but sorry to know Georgia isn’t in his territory. On second thought, maybe that’s not all bad—after burrowing chipmunks collapsed part of my brick patio, wishing for another creature that digs large holes, no matter how interesting, may not be the best idea.
Great pictures and interesting write up! Can always count on you for something interesting and educational.
Posted by: Rose | September 04, 2013 at 08:58 PM