A small, diurnal owl with long legs and unique terrestrial behavior. Brown plumage with white spots on the back and chestnut bars on the breast and belly. The face has a white facial disk with prominent white eyebrows that give it a serious expression. The eyes are bright yellow. It measures 21 to 28 cm. Unlike most owls, it is active during the day and nests in the ground, digging tunnels in vizcacha burrows or abandoned dens, or excavating its own.
Behaviour
Terrestrial and diurnal. It stands upright on posts, termite mounds or earth mounds, from where it watches its surroundings. When it spots an intruder, it makes characteristic bobbing bows with its body. It lives in small colonies. It feeds on large insects, earthworms, small mammals and small lizards. Near the nest it may hunt at night.
How and when to see it
Year round. Diurnal, easily seen standing on posts, embankments and short grasslands. Very confiding and photogenic.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where burrowing owl has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where burrowing owl lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Gaucho Argentino
Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Senderismo guiado. Visita guiada a museos, lugares históricos, capillas y senderos del…★ 5.0 - Salvaje Iberá
Senderismo, cicloturismo, safari fotográfico, avistaje de fauna, paseos largos en el día…★ 5.0 - Excursiones Yetapá (Eduardo Alegre)
Excursiones por el Iberá con base en San Miguel, a cargo del guía habilitado Eduardo…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameBurrowing Owl
- Scientific nameAthene cunicularia
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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