This brown-spotted, long-legged owl is often seen perched on a mound or a fencepost during the day, often in the company of other Burrowing Owls. These owls usually retreat into their burrows during cold or hot weather, or when frightened.

Family: Owls (Strigidae)
Genus & Species: Athene cunicularia
Identification:
 - Size: 9.5" length, 21" wingspan, 5 oz weight
 - Male color and appearance: Pale spots on brown upperparts, brown barring on pale underparts; long legs; its long wings extend past the short tail
 - Female ID: Appearance like male
 - Juvenile ID: Buffy belly without barring; absence of spots on breast and face gives it a bolder appearance
 - Flight: Usually low and undulating
Feeding Behavior: Diurnal, but primarily feeds at night on mice and other small rodents, as well as on small reptiles, scorpions, and other insects
Similar Species: Potatoes and rocks
Songs and Calls: Song, given primarily during breeding season, is a short coo-coo. Chattering calls are given throughout the year when disturbed. Will sometimes give a fast rattle to imitate a rattlesnake, typically done while in its burrow to frighten off predators.
Status: Common in some areas, such as California's Imperial Valley and Spot Road Farm. Retiring and uncommon in other areas, and totally absent in much of its range. Often found in colonies.
Habitat: Nests in burrows on the ground; in our area sometimes taking over and excavating a ground squirrel den. Found in agricultural areas, sparse grasslands, rangeland, deserts, and occassionally in urban settings.
Breeding Range:
 - Southern CA: All of southern California, but especially common in the Imperial Valley
 - AZ: statewide, but difficult to find away from agricultural areas
 - NM: statewide south of the Rocky Mountains, in rangeland and agriculture
Wintering Range:
 - Southern CA: Most of southern California
 - AZ: southern portion of the state, primarily in agricultural areas. Many of these owls appear to migrate out of the area during winter; they are much less common during the winter months.
 - NM: Extreme southern New Mexico
Known breeding locations: In Yuma, check the Yuma Salinity Canal just east of the road to Cocopah RV Park. In eastern Yuma County, Spot Road Farm is an excellent place in the late spring & summer to see numerous owls--sometimes over 100 individuals.