Athene cunicularia

Owl

Burrowing

Habitat: Lives in dry, open areas with no trees and short grass. Found on golf courses, cemeteries, airports, vacant lots, university campuses, pastures, and prairie dog towns.
Food: Eats insects, scorpions, small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
Nesting: Nests in burrow, often dug by a mammal. Burrow can be several meters long, with numerous twists and turns. Often lined with horse or cow manure.
Behavior: Catches food with feet. Hunts by walking, hopping, or running along the ground, or by flying from perch.
Endangered: Populations declining in many areas; listed as endangered or threatened in some states and provinces. Collision with cars is a major source of mortality. Human activities have increased the species' range in Florida.