Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) outside its burrow in central California

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A Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) standing outside its burrow in the arid desert region of central California. Burrowing Owls are listed on the IUCN Red LIst as species requiring special concern as their numbers are declining mainly due to habitat destruction and removal of the prairie dig; one of the owls favorite and staple foods. One of the smallest species of owls, the burrowing owl is only nine inches tall, has a short tail, and very long legs, and weighs about 4 oz.

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Size: 5200px × 3467px
Location: Central California Desert, California, USA
Photo credit: © Anaspides Photography - Iain D. Williams / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: arid, athene, aves, avian, burrow, burrowing, california, cunicularia, daytime, desert, diurnal, owl, owls, predator, usa