Burrowing Owl: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Owl Week · day 4 of 7

Five facts

1. A threatened burrowing owl ducks into its burrow and makes rattling, hissing sounds like a rattlesnake.
2. Burrowing owls rarely dig their own homes. They take over tunnels left by badgers, foxes, ground squirrels or prairie dogs.
3. Burrowing owls line their nests with mammal dung, usually cattle. Researchers think it controls the climate and attracts insects.
4. To hunt, they watch from a perch, then dive on prey or flutter up to grab insects in midair. Sometimes they chase prey on foot.
5. A clutch can hold four to 12 eggs, usually 9. The male brings food while the female incubates for 3-4 weeks.

The quiz

1. What sound does a threatened owl make?

• A loud screech like a hawk
• A low hoot
• Rattling and hissing like a rattlesnake (correct)
• A whistle like a songbird

A threatened burrowing owl ducks into its burrow and makes rattling, hissing sounds like a rattlesnake.

2. Whose tunnels do burrowing owls usually take over?

• Badgers, foxes, ground squirrels or prairie dogs (correct)
• Moles and rabbits only
• Beavers and otters
• Snakes and lizards only

Burrowing owls rarely dig their own homes. They take over tunnels left by badgers, foxes, ground squirrels or prairie dogs.

3. What do the owls line their nests with?

• Feathers and moss
• Mammal dung, usually cattle (correct)
• Small stones
• Dry grass only

Burrowing owls line their nests with mammal dung, usually cattle. Researchers think it controls the climate and attracts insects.

4. Where do they wait when hunting?

• On a perch (correct)
• Inside the burrow
• In the air
• Under a rock

They watch from a perch, then dive on prey or flutter up to grab insects in midair.

5. What is the usual clutch size?

• 2 eggs
• 4 eggs
• 12 eggs
• 9 eggs (correct)

A clutch can hold four to 12 eggs, usually 9. The male brings food while the female incubates for 3-4 weeks.

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