The Western Burrowing Owl is a small, ground-dwelling owl found primarily in western North America. It has a distinctive appearance, featuring long legs, a round head, and bright yellow eyes. These owls typically inhabit open grasslands, deserts, and agricultural areas, where they nest in burrows, often those abandoned by other animals like prairie dogs.
Burrowing owls are unique among owls because they are active during the day, hunting insects and small mammals. They are known for their social behavior, often living in colonies. Their populations are threatened by habitat loss and pesticide use, making conservation efforts important for their survival.