GRASSLANDS ADVENTURE - SPECIAL - BURROWING OWLS

The endangered Burrowing Owls do not dig their own burrow; instead they make their homes in the abandoned burrows of rodents like the prairie dogs.

Cowboys used to call burrowing owls “howdy birds” because of the way they nod their heads, as if in greeting.

Athene Cunicularia

The Burrowing Owl is a loyal inhabitant of the prairies. Its favorite haunts are heavily grazed pastures in intensively cultivated regions and disturbed areas in extensive grasslands. It nests in underground burrows abandoned by other animals. Attempts to eliminate ground squirrels in the prairies have greatly reduced the number of suitable owl nest sites. Collisions with vehicles, the effect of agricultural chemicals and the conversion of native grasslands to cropland are thought to be some of the other challenges facing this endangered bird.