Burrowing Owl Fun Facts!

  • Burrowing Owls can rotate their heads about 270 degrees, just like other owls, even though they spend much of their time on the ground.

  • They sometimes decorate their burrow entrances with unusual objects like bits of trash, paper, or shiny items.

  • Unlike most owls, they have relatively long legs, which help them run after prey on foot.

  • Their scientific name, Athene cunicularia, references Athena, the Greek goddess often associated with wisdom and owls.

  • Young Burrowing Owls practice hunting by pouncing on insects near the burrow before they are fully independent.

  • They can flatten their bodies against the ground to appear smaller and less visible when threatened.

  • Burrowing Owls often reuse the same burrow year after year if conditions remain favorable.