**Local Wildlife Center Rescues Burrowing Owl from Garrison Bight** The Key West Wildlife Center recently rescued a burrowing owl from the waters of Garrison Bight. This pint-sized bird is a threatened species in Florida and spends most of its time on the ground, using its sandy brown plumage as camouflage. Burrowing owls live in single pairs or colonies and use burrows year-round. They may dig their burrows or use abandoned burrows from other animals. The rescue of this burrowing owl is a reminder that these birds are vulnerable and need our help. If you see a burrowing owl in distress, please contact the Key West Wildlife Center or another local wildlife rehabilitation center. **Burrowing Owl Facts** * Burrowing owls are small, about nine to twelve inches tall, with a wingspan of twenty-one to twenty-four inches. * They have long, lean legs and large feet that help them run and dig. * Their plumage is sandy brown with streaks and spots, providing them with excellent camouflage in their natural habitat. * Burrowing owls are carnivores, eating primarily insects, small rodents, and reptiles. * They are most active at dawn and dusk. * Burrowing owls are territorial and will defend their nesting territory aggressively. * Burrowing owls are a threatened species in Florida due to habitat loss and degradation. * It is illegal to harm, harass, or take burrowing owls or their nests. If you are interested in helping burrowing owls, you can: * Donate to the Key West Wildlife Center or another local wildlife rehabilitation center. * Volunteer your time to help with burrowing owl conservation efforts. * Educate others about the importance of burrowing owls and their conservation.
**Local Wildlife Center Rescues Burrowing Owl from Garrison Bight** The Key West Wildlife Center recently rescued a burrowing owl from the waters of Garrison Bight. This pint-sized bird is a threatened species in Florida and spends most of its time on the ground, using its sandy brown plumage as camouflage. Burrowing owls live in single pairs or colonies and use burrows year-round. They may dig their burrows or use abandoned burrows from other animals. The rescue of this burrowing owl is a reminder that these birds are vulnerable and need our help. If you see a burrowing owl in distress, please contact the Key West Wildlife Center or another local wildlife rehabilitation center. **Burrowing Owl Facts** * Burrowing owls are small, about nine to twelve inches tall, with a wingspan of twenty-one to twenty-four inches. * They have long, lean legs and large feet that help them run and dig. * Their plumage is sandy brown with streaks and spots, providing them with excellent camouflage in their natural habitat. * Burrowing owls are carnivores, eating primarily insects, small rodents, and reptiles. * They are most active at dawn and dusk. * Burrowing owls are territorial and will defend their nesting territory aggressively. * Burrowing owls are a threatened species in Florida due to habitat loss and degradation. * It is illegal to harm, harass, or take burrowing owls or their nests. If you are interested in helping burrowing owls, you can: * Donate to the Key West Wildlife Center or another local wildlife rehabilitation center. * Volunteer your time to help with burrowing owl conservation efforts. * Educate others about the importance of burrowing owls and their conservation.
Keys Weekly
**Florida Burrowing Owls: Unique Nesting Habits and Conservation Status** **Jacksonville, FL (March 1, 2023)** - The Florida burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia floridana) is a fascinating bird species with unique nesting habits and a threatened conservation status. **Nesting Season and Behavior** The typical breeding season for the Florida burrowing owl spans from February 15 to July 10, although breeding can occur earlier or later. Nesting takes place in burrows in the ground, which the owls dig themselves. **Distribution** The distribution of the Florida burrowing owl is localized and patchy. It occurs primarily in peninsular Florida, with isolated pairs and small colonies found as far west as Eglin Air Force Base and as far south as the Keys. **Conservation Status** The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists the Florida burrowing owl as a state Threatened species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect its populations. **Nesting Season Guard** During nesting season, the male burrowing owl stands guard over the burrow for hours at a time while the female tends to the eggs or young chicks. This behavior helps protect the nest from predators. **Physical Characteristics** Florida burrowing owls have several distinctive physical features. They lack ear tufts, which are commonly seen in woodland owl species, and they have a prominent white chin patch. Most burrowing owls have bright yellow eyes, but some individuals have intermediate to dark-colored eyes. **Conservation Importance** The conservation of the Florida burrowing owl is crucial to maintaining the biodiversity of Florida's ecosystems. These owls play an important role as rodent predators, helping to regulate their populations. By protecting the Florida burrowing owl, we can ensure the health of our environment for generations to come.
**Burrowing Owls in Decline in California** Despite their amusing appearance, burrowing owls are facing a decline in population in California. These small, unusual owls nest in underground burrows instead of trees and inhabit wide-open, sparsely vegetated areas. Their breeding range extends from Canada's southern prairie provinces to the south, but recent reports indicate a concerning drop in their numbers. Burrowing owls are opportunistic feeders, preying on large insects, small mammals, and reptiles. They typically mate with a single partner, but occasional cases of polygamous relationships have been observed. The nesting season for burrowing owls begins in late March or April in North America. To learn more about the distribution of these owls in California, you can click on the range map provided in the web reference. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this unique species. By preserving their habitat and addressing threats such as urban development, we can help ensure the survival of the burrowing owl in California.
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
**Burrowing Owl Protection Strengthened in Florida** The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has upgraded the status of the Florida burrowing owl to State Threatened. This classification underscores the urgency of protecting this iconic species. **Protection Measures** As a State Threatened species, it is now illegal to take, possess, or sell burrowing owls or their nests. This includes behaviors related to breeding and sheltering, such as occupying burrows where owls are actively nesting. **Burrowing Owl Habits** Florida burrowing owls typically excavate their own burrows, which can be 5 to 10 feet long and take only 2 days to complete. These burrows are typically 4-8 feet in length and provide a safe haven for the owls and their young. **Year-Round Presence** Burrowing owls are year-round residents of Florida. They are also found in parts of the American Southwest and Mexico. **Subspecies** Approximately 22 subspecies of burrowing owls have been described, mostly found in or near the Andes and in the Antilles. The Florida burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia floridana) is distinct subspecies found only in Florida. **Importance of Conservation** Burrowing owls play a vital role in the ecosystem, controlling small rodent populations. Their decline is attributed to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation due to urbanization and agricultural practices. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges residents to report any sightings of burrowing owls or their burrows to help inform conservation efforts and protect this species.
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