Burrowing Owls:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did PNM install a burrowing
owl web cam?
PNM works closely with Hawks Aloft on a number of projects,
including support for their Cavity Nesting Birds education
program. PNM installed a web cam at Reeves Generating Station
to help Hawks Aloft teach area students about the habits
of burrowing owls in the wild.
What is a burrowing owl?
Burrowing owls are small, ground-nesting owls common in
the West. They weigh between 4 and 5 ounces and are about
7½ to 10 inches in height with long, sparsely feathered
legs. Their small round heads lack ear tufts and they have
a light brown back with numerous white speckles and a white
underbelly with horizontal brown stripes.
What do burrowing owls do?
Burrowing owls hunt for prey, care for their young, maintain
their burrows, sleep and watch for potential predators.
Where do burrowing owls live?
Burrowing owls migrate during the winter but are found
in New Mexico all year. They like dry grasslands and move
into underground burrows, often previously dug by other
animals.
What do burrowing owls eat?
Burrowing owls are opportunistic, and feed on insects,
small mammals, small birds and small lizards. They capture
prey with their talons and also catch small insects while
flying.
When is the best time to view
burrowing owls?
Burrowing owls are active day and night, and may be seen
outside their burrows any time. In New Mexico, burrowing
owls lay three to 10 eggs in the early spring. The eggs
hatch about a month later. Young burrowing owls may be observed
from Mid-April to the end of August.
Why do burrowing owls live in
burrows?
Burrows provide a safe havens from other animals that hunt
them and from the weather. Unfortunately, burrows are often
disturbed by people and domestic dogs and cats. In places
without suitable burrows, artificial burrows in the form
of nest boxes may be used.
Why are burrowing owls important?
Burrowing owls help control populations of insects, rodents
and small mammals and help increase the diversity of wildlife
in an area.
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