Burrowing Owl Facts for Kids
Burrowing owls are small sandy-colored owls with long legs, bright yellow eyes, and a very unusual home style. Instead of nesting high in trees, they live in underground burrows in open grasslands, deserts, and prairies.
Quick Burrowing Owl Facts
- Animal Type: Bird
- Group: Owl, raptor, and bird of prey
- Known For: Underground burrows, long legs, yellow eyes, owlets, daytime activity, insect hunting, grassland homes, and prairie dog burrows
- Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, deserts, open fields, pastures, airports, farms, sandy areas, prairie dog towns, ground squirrel burrows, and dry open land
- Diet: Insects, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, rodents, lizards, frogs, small birds, scorpions, and other small animals
What You’ll Learn
Learn 10 fun Burrowing Owl facts for kids with simple explanations, kid facts, quiz, glossary, and a Burrowing Owl activity.
These burrowing owl facts for kids are written in a simple way for kids, parents, teachers, and curious little fact-hunters.
10 Fun Burrowing Owl Facts for Kids
1. Burrowing Owls Are Birds
Burrowing owls are birds, so they have feathers, beaks, wings, and lay eggs.
Kid Decode: A burrowing owl is a tiny ground owl with bright yellow headlights.
2. They Are Raptors
Burrowing owls are raptors, or birds of prey, even though they are small.
Kid Decode: Tiny owl, serious hunter badge.
3. Baby Burrowing Owls Are Owlets
Baby burrowing owls are called owlets or chicks.
Kid Decode: An owlet peeking from a burrow is basically a tiny feather doorbell.
4. They Live Underground
Burrowing owls nest and rest in underground burrows.
Kid Decode: This owl chose a basement apartment instead of a treetop tower.
5. They Often Use Animal Burrows
Burrowing owls may use burrows made by prairie dogs, ground squirrels, tortoises, or other animals.
Kid Decode: They are smart renters in the underground housing market.
6. They Have Long Legs
Burrowing owls have long legs for an owl, which help them run and stand tall at burrow entrances.
Kid Decode: Those legs give the little owl excellent lookout posture.
7. They Can Be Active by Day
Burrowing owls are often seen during daylight, unlike many owls.
Kid Decode: This owl does not wait for midnight to start the show.
8. They Eat Lots of Insects
Burrowing owls often eat grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, and other insects.
Kid Decode: Insect snacks are a big part of the ground-owl buffet.
9. They Bob When Alert
Burrowing owls may bob up and down when excited, curious, or alarmed.
Kid Decode: It looks like the owl is doing tiny spring-loaded thinking.
10. They Need Open Habitats
Burrowing owls need open land, burrows, safe nesting areas, and healthy prey populations.
Kid Decode: Protecting grasslands helps the little underground owls keep their homes.
The Weirdest Burrowing Owl Fact
Burrowing owls are owls that live underground, often in burrows made by other animals.
Try This Burrowing Owl Activity
Burrowing Owl Drawing Activity
Draw a burrowing owl standing at a burrow entrance. Add long legs, yellow eyes, sandy feathers, owlets peeking out, prairie dog tunnel, grasshoppers, beetles, desert plants, open grassland, bobbing motion lines, and sunset sky.
Quick Burrowing Owl Quiz
- What animal group are burrowing owls in? Answer: Birds.
- What are baby burrowing owls called? Answer: Owlets or chicks.
- Where do burrowing owls nest? Answer: Underground in burrows.
- What kind of legs do burrowing owls have for an owl? Answer: Long legs.
- What insects do burrowing owls often eat? Answer: Grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets.
Mini Glossary
- Bird: An animal with feathers, a beak, and wings.
- Owlet: A baby owl.
- Burrow: An underground hole or tunnel used as a shelter or nest.
- Raptor: A bird of prey with sharp talons and a hooked beak.
- Grassland: An open habitat mostly covered with grasses.
Turn Burrowing Owl Facts Into a Story
Turn these Burrowing Owl facts into a fun animal story with our free Animal Story Generator.
Try It FreeFact check note: Fact checked with Cornell Lab Burrowing Owl resources, Owl Research Institute Burrowing Owl resources, and trusted owl education references.