Genus: Athene cunicularia
Nicknames: Billy Owl, Ground Owl, Athene Owl (originating from the scientific name refering to the Greek Goddess of Wisdom; who’s favorite bird was the owl.)
Measurements: The Burrowing Owl has a wingspan of 21 to 24 inches, weighs in at 4.4 to 9 pounds and stands 7.5 to 10 inches tall. These are the only owls, where the males weighs more and has a greater wingspan then the females.
Appearance: Like most owls, the Burrowing Owl has a brown coat with white speckled randomly. It has a common facial disk and yellow coloured irises, making this species the look of an average owl.
Habitat: These owls prefer to live in dry plains, grasslands, desert, savannas and possibly a gold course or two. Spanning from southwestern Canada to Western USA and Florida, Central America and South America, these owls have relocated to a large number of different habitats. They are currently considered endangered due to their dwindling numbers but have learned to adapt to their situations.
Diet: The diet of a burrowing owl is not different from any other plains or grassland owl. The prey consists of mostly small mammals, birds, reptiles or insects such as baby prairie dogs and lizards.
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