Burrowing OwlsBy Catherine Alter

What are burrowing owls?A burrowing owl is a type of bird. They are called burrowing owls because they

live underground in burrows that have been dug out by small animals.

What do they look like?Burrowing owls are about 10 inches tall

covered in brown spotted feathers. They have long legs.They weigh about 6 ounces .They have bright yellow eyes. Both males and females are the same size.

Where do Burrowing Owls live?They live under ground in burrows.They are found all over the world. Especially

in North America in Mexico, central to western America ,and some parts of Canada.

How do Burrowing Owls talk?They say “who who” for defense and

breeding.They also make chucking, chattering, and

screams.Young owls make hissing sounds like

rattlesnakes when scared.

What do they eat?They eat small mammals such as moles and

mice during summer and spring.They can also eat grasshoppers and beetles.

How do they behave?Unlike other owls they are active during the

day especially during the spring.They are found near their burrows on fence

posts and trees.

How are they threatened and what we can do about it.They are threatened by people cutting down

trees and moving into places that they live. Their numbers are getting smaller. People go hiking a lot and since the owls live underground, people crush them in their burrows. Then they die in the ground. It is a problem for the owls.

Thank you for coming to see my slideshow.Please help save the burrowing owls!Don’t go hiking unless you are very careful.

Have a nice day!

From your student: Catherine Alter