Pip, 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 Pip
Pip is a very gentle owl who doesn’t really like large, open spaces! She prefers to be under cover as the local robins terrify her. Pip loves flying to guests under her favourite tiki hut where she doesn’t have to worry about robins!
Fun Fact!
Unlike the stereotypical nocturnal owl, burrowing owls can be active during both the day and night, hunting from the ground, low perches or by hovering briefly over prey.