Burrowing Owls

Speotyto cuniclara floridana

In Greek, “Speo” means cave and “Tyto” means owl, so the actual name is “Cave Owl."  The Florida Burrowing Owl digs burrows and is the only owl species that nests underground.

Species of Special Concern

Burrow, nest, eggs, chicks and adult owls are protected.

Burrowing Owl Facts

• 9 inches Tall – the size of a water bottle!
• 20-24 inches Wingspan
• Bright Yellow Eyes that cannot move
• Head can move 270 degrees
• Beak or Bill is greenish yellow or yellow
• Sandy Brown in color with scattered white spots and bars with a dark brown collar around their neck
• Tail is short - almost invisible
• Girl (female) Owls are darker than Boy (male) Owls
• Clutch sizes average 5-8 small round white eggs
• Incubated for 28-30 days by the female
• Chicks emerge from the burrow when they are three weeks old
• Chicks are “fledged” (can fly!) at 42-44 days
• Do not destroy the burrow. Obtain a removal permit whether burrow is active or not
• Use Pesticides & Chemicals with care and avoid the burrow
• Mark the burrow and place a T-Perch near the opening