The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a species of owl native to the Americas, from Southern Canada to Patagonia. They are present in a variety of habitats like deserts, prairies, swamps, marshes, mountains and forests. They are highly adaptable, unlike most owls. They also are very accustomed to life on the ground and have relatively long legs for an owl, perfect for running. They get their name because they live in discarded burrows made by animals like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, skunks, tortoises, and armadillos. Even though they only weigh 3.5 oz, they'll hunt prey like insects, scorpions, centipedes, spiders, lizards, frogs, squirrels, mice, smaller birds, and even small snakes. However, larger snakes like western diamondback rattlesnakes, and bigger owls will prey upon them. Burrowing owls have developed a great mimicry trick to fool big predators. They can exactly mimic the sound of a rattlesnake's rattle. So when they're in their burrows, and a predator like a bobcat comes along, the owl makes the noise and the predator often gets confused whether it actually is a rattlesnake or not. Burrowing owls will hunt during the day and only occasionally hunt at night. They often times will put seeds, dung, and all sorts of natural litter at the front of their burrow. This attracts beetles, flies, and small lizards looking for a free meal, then ending up as the burrowing owl's free meal.
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