Today's featured feathered friend is the Florida Burrowing Owl. They are listed as a species of special concern in Florida. It is estimated that the Florida Burrowing Owl population is around 3,000 birds.
Burrowing Owls are the only North American Owl that nest underground, hence the name. They sometimes nest colonially with just a few feet separating each burrow. They can be seen year-round, day or night, in central and south Florida. They prefer open prairie, but are also found in agricultural, recreational and residential areas.
In most species of raptors, including other Owl species, females are visibly larger than males. However, male and female Burrowing Owls are generally the same size and are similar in appearance. They have bright yellow eyes, a flattened facial disc, long featherless gray legs with white eyebrows and chins. Adults have brown heads and wings with white spotting. The chest and abdomen are white with variable brown spotting or barring. Juveniles are similar to adults but lack most of the white spotting above and brown barring below. Burrowing Owls are about 9 inches long, weigh around 5 ounces and have a 21 inch wingspan.
Enjoy today's photos of these well camouflaged adult Florida Burrowing Owls, taken in Punta Gorda FL, in February 2013.....tweet.....tweet!!
Hard to spot < ----------------------------- > Easier to spot
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| TOO Cute!! |
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| Up close and personal. |
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