At one time, Burrowing owls were fairly common and widespread over western North America. Over the years, populations of owls have declined and in some cases have disappeared due to the large scale changes that humans have made to the owl's habitat. They are endangered in Canada and are listed as endangered or threatened in a number of states. Burrowing owls are now federally listed as a Species of Management Concern and are a Species of Special Concern in California. In response to the decline of this species, a collaborative research effort in California was initiated in 1995.
Characteristics Burrowing owls can grow to be almost one foot tall.
Their ears don't show, their feathers are earth-brown with white spots, they have whitetish eyebrows, long legs and a short tail. When they are agitated they bob up and down or bow, and when they are alarmed they make a cackling sound. The lifespan of wild burrowing owls is unknown. Much of our research involves understanding factors which affect the owl's survival and reproduction. Habitat Burrowing owls are found from Canada to South America.