Burrowing Owls-Daytime Owls of the Prairies

Speotyto cunicularia, the burrowing owl, is a tiny owl about the size of robin or a blackbird. They eat insects and small animals and live in the empty burrows of prairie dogs or other mammals. The owl in these pictures was living in a den large enough for a skunk, raccoon, or a coyote. They prefer grasslands and plains. They are active during daylight which is unusual for other owls.

This picture gives you a perspective on the owl’s size relative to the burrow he is using for a home.