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The
Florida
burrowing owl (Athene
cunicularia) gets its name because it lives in holes burrowed
into the ground. It usually nests in the old burrows of ground
squirrels, badgers, or other small mammals, although it may dig its own
burrow in soft soil. Burrowing owls are one of the smallest owl species at about 9 inches tall and 4 ounces in weight. When agitated a burrowing owl will bob its head, bow with a quick bending motion of the
legs, and make an alarm call very similar to the sound of a rattlesnake.
It then dives very quickly into its burrow if further threatened.
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The burrowing owl’s status is listed as a "species of special concern"
in several states because its numbers are rapidly declining. The Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission once estimated the statewide
population at between 3,000 and 10,000 pairs. Within the past 20 years,
and particularly within the past 5 years, the numbers have declined
sharply. The main threat to the owl’s survival is destruction of its habitat caused by
increased residential and commercial development. |
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