Burrowing Owl
(Athene cunicularia)
This is our smallest local owl. About the size of a large robin, it is speckled brown with long legs. This unusual owl can be seen during the daytime perching on low posts or on the ground. They fly low to hunt in open grasslands, catching very small rodents and insects. Long legs also help them to chase after their meal. This owl actually nests in burrows in the ground, taking over prairie dog or ground squirrel holes.