Burrowing Owl
If
there was ever a bird with a large-scale identity crisis, it
would have to be the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). It is a
predatory bird just like every other raptor, but it resides in
holes dug primarily by prairie dogs and mimics the rattling
sound of a rattlesnake.
Found in the western third of the state, but most commonly in
the panhandle, the burrowing owl is one of the state’s most
unique avian species. Classified as a “grassland specialist,”
the burrowing owl can be found in shortgrass prairie or desert
habitat. The burrowing owl will excavate its own hole, but only
in extreme cases. It relies primarily on vacant holes dug by
mammals, such as the blacktailed prairie dogs.
The burrowing owl, a medium-size bird growing to about nine
inches tall, is also one of the most identifiable owl species
found in Oklahoma. Along with its white eyebrows, brilliant
yellow eyes, and lack of ear tufts, the burrowing owl almost
appears to be standing on stilts. Its long legs are unique among
other owl species and are adapted for its ground-dwelling life
style.
The burrow or nest of the burrowing owl is typically six to nine
feet in length and descends three to five feet before ending
with a large “domed” chamber. The nest is typically lined with
dried manure, possibly to absorb water to reduce flooding within
the nest, but may also serve to hide the scent of the owl.
Another unique characteristic of the burrowing owl is its
feeding habit. While most owl species are nocturnal feeders, the
burrowing owl is crepuscular, feeding at dusk and dawn. It can
also be observed eating during the daytime, something you would
rarely see from other owl species. They are opportunistic
feeders, primarily on insects, small mammals, and birds, but
won’t hesitate to snatch up any small reptiles or amphibians.
Breeding occurs from mid-March through September. The average
clutch size is six eggs and incubation lasts for 28-30 days. The
female will generally stay with the nest during incubation,
while the male guards the nest and collects food. Three to four
weeks after hatching, the family will switch burrows every 10-15
days. This moving of nests shows the importance of prairie dogs
for burrowing owls, since they dig numerous holes. Six weeks
after hatching, the young are capable of flight. The young feed
primarily on insects and begin working on their predatory skills
by jumping on dead or live insects.
The problem with being a ground-dwelling bird is the increased
threat of predation. While most birds avoid predation by nesting
in trees, the burrowing owl has to deal with numerous threats.
Nesting in areas of short vegetation helps the burrowing owl to
see possible ground predators that are approaching the nest.
Keeping the nest away from trees and tall structures helps the
burrowing owl avoid being prey to a larger bird that could be
perching outside the nest. Some of the main predators of the
burrowing owl are larger raptors, snakes, coyotes, bobcats, and
domestic cats.
The burrowing owl has one predatory defense that makes it one of
the most interesting birds we have here in Oklahoma. To deter
approaching predators, the Burrowing owl utters a call that
mimics the rattling sound of a rattlesnake within the burrow,
causing wary predators to keep their distance from its burrow.
The burrowing owl is listed as a species of concern in Oklahoma
and is even classified as threatened in many other states. Due
to the loss of habitat from urbanization and fragmentation,
burrowing owl populations have been decreasing. With the
preservation of native grasslands and protection of burrowing
mammals, we can retain this unique species for the viewing by
future generations.