Burrowing Owl

As its name implies, this small long-legged owl uses abandoned prairie dog, tortoise, or rodent burrows for shelter. These tunnels are important for protection from weather and predators, and for laying eggs and raising young. The tunnel is lined with dried plants, grasses, feathers, and dry, shredded cow manure. This lining may help to keep the burrow cool during the day and warm at night. It also humidified the burrow and may protect the owls from predators by masking the birds' scent. If burrows are unavailable and the soil is not hard or rocky, the owls may excavate their own. When disturbed in a burrow, the owl mimics a rattlesnake's rattle.