Squeak, Burrowing Owl
Latin Name
Athene cunicularia
Family
Strigidae
LIFE SPAN
Wild: Typically around 6–8 years. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service records the oldest known North American individual at at least 9 years, 11 months, although other literature reports wild individuals reaching around 11 years.
Captivity: Up to approximately 10 years has been reported.
Body size
Burrowing owls are one of the smaller owl species, with some variation between subspecies and geographical populations.
- Weight: 113–198g (4–7 oz); around 150–170g is typical.
- Height/Body Length: 19–25cm (7.5–9.8 in).
- Wingspan: 51–61cm (20–24 in).
Native habitat
Burrowing owls are native to the Americas, occurring across parts of North, Central and South America, including western North America, Florida and parts of the Caribbean.
They nest and roost underground, commonly using burrows originally excavated by animals such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, badgers and tortoises. Some populations, particularly those in Florida and the Caribbean, regularly dig their own burrows.
Diet
Burrowing owls are opportunistic carnivores with a surprisingly varied diet. Insects often make up the greatest number of prey items, while vertebrates can contribute more of the total food by weight.
Their diet includes grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, moths and other large insects, as well as mice, voles, shrews and other small mammals. They may also take lizards, snakes, frogs, small birds, bats and occasionally young rabbits.
Get to know Squeak
Vocal, confident and remarkably quick on his feet, Squeak is one of our go-to birds for flying demonstrations. Unlike Pip, he will happily run the full length of any arena, strutting his stuff and showing the audience just how impressive he is.
A natural performer, Squeak thoroughly enjoys being the centre of attention, and never turns down a well-earned round of applause!
Fun Fact!
Burrowing owls are diurnal and hunt during the day, They are a tiny owl species that lives in groups with other Burrowing owls so they are unusually sociable for a bird of prey!
They can dig tunnels around 1 meter underground and often steal already existing tunnels from Prairie Dogs because they are all about an easier life.