The burrowing owl is the only species of the Strigidae family who "build" underground burrows for nesting. That's how they got their name. Interestingly, they use old holes and tunnels of other animals such as ground squirrels or skunks.
Usually burrowing owls arrange their nest-sites making it bigger and cleaner located close to a road, in bare ground, or in grazed pastures at a higher level. Some owls bring horse and cow manure to line the floor of their underground hole because the smell of the manure can protect them from any predators that live around.
This owl isn't afraid of people, so they have been found in residential areas, for example in Caleta Valdes and Punta Delgada districts. However, some of these birds might be also found nesting in the caves of Patagonia. As a rule, burrowing owls are nocturnal, though they are also active during the day.
During the breeding season, males hunt and bring food to the female when caring for offspring. He catches the prey by only one foot carrying it to their chicks to feed. Usually, the burrowing owl females lay 6-11 eggs and stay with the chicks for a month to care. The breeding season of burrowing owls in Argentina occurs between October and December.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Argentina for seeing burrowing owls?
To catch a glimpse of burrowing owls in Argentina, head there between October through December, which is their breeding season. Watch as male birds hunt for food while females tend to their chicks. These birds lay their eggs deep underground and prefer ground that is bare, grazed, or near the caves of Patagonia. Show more
Where can I find the burrowing owl nests in Argentina?
If you're searching for burrowing owl nests in Argentina, you'll need to know where to look. They prefer areas like the Caleta Valdes and Punta Delgada districts, and can be found nesting in underground burrows, often located near roadways, grazed areas, or caves in Patagonia. Known for reusing the burrows of other animals, they'll clean and enlarge the holes before laying their eggs in preparation for mating season. Show more
How do burrowing owls make their nests?
Burrowing owls ensure their young have a safe haven by using existing underground burrows left behind by other animals, like ground squirrels and skunks. They will clean and further enlarge these holes, adding manure to prevent predators. Here they'll lay up to 11 eggs during breeding season before tending to them with the help of their mates for the next month. Show more
What do burrowing owls feed their chicks?
Burrowing owls will do anything to provide for their young. During breeding season, males will bring food back to feed their female partners, who tend to the offspring. With only one foot, these birds can catch insects, small animals, and even fish! As the chicks grow, parents adjust their feeding to occur more frequently with smaller amounts of food to keep up with their rapid metabolism. Show more
Are burrowing owls active during both day and night?
Active both day and night, burrowing owls are most active nocturnally, retreating to ground burrows in the heat of the day. They'll perch atop the burrows or stay underground when the temperature is high. While protecting their chicks and keeping an eye out for predators, they've become approachable creatures and can even be found living in urban areas like the Caleta Valdes and Punta Delgada districts of Argentina. Show more
