Found in open grasslands (especially prairies, plains and savannas), and sometimes in open areas such as airports or vacant lots near human habitation. In southern Idaho, nests in sagebrush steppe
and agricultural lands.
Athene
cunicularia
(Burrowing Owl)
Physical
Description:
9-11" (23-28 cm). Small
owl with no ear tufts on rounded head; stubby tail and long legs. Earth brown
with white spots on back, wings, and crown; whitish below with brown barring.
Whitish eyebrows and chin stripe; yellow eyes. Immature has no barring below.
Song:
A cackling alarm note: quick-quick-quick.
Also a mellow, rolling dove-like coo- c-o-o.
Distribution:
Breeds in southwestern Canada,
south through western U.S., central Mexico, and central and southern Florida,
to much of South America (locally). Withdraws from northernmost portions of
breeding range in northern winter. Winters regularly south to portions of Central
America.
Habitat:
Found in open grasslands (especially
prairies, plains and savannas), and sometimes in open areas such as airports
or vacant lots near human habitation. In southern Idaho, nests in sagebrush
steppe and agricultural lands.
Ecology:
Primarily Nocturnal in winter in northern
range, diurnal and crepuscular in summer. Catches prey
in flight or drops to ground. Nests and roosts in burrow dug by mammal or owl.
May mimic rattlesnake if disturbed in burrow. Territory defense is mainly limited
to immediate vicinity of nest burrow; may share foraging area. Badger plays
important role in nesting ecology in Idaho -- provides nest burrows and is a
major predator. Reported densities: 12.5 ha/pair (California); 3.5-6 ha/pair
(North Dakota); 13-16 ha/pair (Saskatchewan). Home range in Saskatchewan reported
at 0.14-4.81 km2; 95% of all movements were within 600 m of nest burrow.
6-7 eggs (on average),
for 27-30 days. Male provides food during incubation and early nestling stages.
Young (average of 3-5 fledglings) run and forage at 4 wk,
are capable of sustained flight at 6 wk, and first breed at 1 yr (some may not).
Female generally produces 1 brood/yr.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABNSB10010 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G4 |
| State Rank: | S3,NTMB |
| National Rank: | N4B,N4N |
Important
State References:
Rich, T. 1986. Habitat and
nest-site selection by burrowing owls in the sagebrush steppe of Idaho. J. Wildl.
Manage. 50:548-555.