Species Spotlight: Western Burrowing Owl

02/21/25

Meet the owl that’s breaking all the rules. Unlike most owls that hang out in trees, the western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) is a ground-dweller. As the name suggests, they need burrows—usually made by ground squirrels and other burrowing mammals— for nesting and roosting. At just 10 inches tall, it is one of the smallest owl species, easily identifiable by its long legs. Unlike their nocturnal counterparts, burrowing owls can be active during the day, inhabiting open grasslands, prairies, desert floors, and coastal dunes, and primarily feeding on insects, amphibians, and small mammals. Its breeding season occurs from February to August, with females laying 6–11 eggs. These small, unique owls are full of personality, making them a favorite of bird enthusiasts and another example of the wide variety of species found in San Diego County!

Western Burrowing Owl standing in a shrub

The western burrowing owl can be found from Canada to South America, including most of the western United States. However, its populations in California, including in San Diego County, have declined since the 1940s due to habitat loss from urbanization and the eradication of ground squirrels. Locally, burrowing owls are now primarily found in the Otay Mesa area and Ramona Grasslands. In response to these declines, the California Fish and Game Commission listed the species as a candidate for protection under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) in October 2024. This designation grants the species the same legal protections as state-listed endangered species during a one-year review by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to evaluate its status.

Western Burrowing Owl Standing

In San Diego County, the burrowing owl is already protected under the County of San Diego (County) Multiple Species Conservation Program’s (MSCP). The South County Subarea Plan, adopted in 1997, includes specific conservation measures to mitigate any impacts on the owl and other covered species. The plan strives to preserve 98,379 acres in the unincorporated area, with 82% already protected as of 2023. More info about the South County Subarea Plan can be found in the 2023 Annual Report. Additionally, the Burrowing Owl Monitoring Project, a partnership between the County and the San Diego Zoo, monitors owl populations and movements.

Furthermore, the burrowing owl is planned for inclusion in the North County MSCP Plan which is under development. This plan will cover over 611,000 acres in the northwestern unincorporated areas and will extend protections to areas like Fallbrook, Valley Center, and Warner Springs.

The western burrowing owl may not look or act like your typical owl species, but that’s why we love it! It’s a vital species for San Diego County’s ecosystems, which is why the County has already included it as a covered species in its MSCP Plans. Check out additional resources below to learn more about this month’s species spotlight!
 

Additional Resources