Where to see Burrowing Owls in the UK

The burrowing owl is a small, distinctive bird belonging to the Strigidae family. These owls are primarily found in open grasslands, deserts, and agricultural areas across North and South America, where they create nests in burrows dug by other animals. Their diet mainly consists of insects, small mammals, and occasionally reptiles, which they hunt during the day, making them unique among owls.

Currently, burrowing owls are classified as least concern in terms of conservation status, though habitat loss poses challenges to their populations in some regions. An interesting fact about them is that they often decorate their burrows with animal dung and pebbles to attract insects and camouflage their homes. UK families can see these fascinating birds at various zoos and wildlife parks, where they are often part of educational exhibits.