How Big Are Burrowing Owls? (Wingspan, Height + Size)

The opposite in size to giant predators such as the great horned owl and the great gray owl are small burrowing owls that are widespread in the grasslands and deserts of the southwestern United States

But did you know how small the burrowing owl is? Does its size affect its ability to hunt successfully? If you’re interested in learning more about how big the burrowing owl is compared to other well-known birds, read on.

Burrowing owls are medium-sized birds, but small compared to other owls. They stand no taller than about 25 cm (9.8 in). A ground-dwelling species, the burrowing owl’s size allows it to use the burrows of woodchucks and other small mammals as shelter for nesting.

Unlike the generally larger owls, burrowing owls are adept at walking and flying, and their long legs allow them to chase or successfully hunt prey across desert terrain.

In terms of appearance, the burrowing owl may not be the most intimidating owl, but its reputation as a fearsome predator cannot be overstated.

Despite their small size, they have been observed to successfully kill large prey such as rabbits, pigeons and lizards. By hunting both during the day and at night, these small raptors maximize their chances of finding food.

If you want to learn more theories about how burrowing owls prove size isn’t everything, read on!

Burrowing owls are classified as medium-sized birds despite appearing small to other owls

high

Unlike many owls, there is no difference in height between male and female burrowing owls. Adult birds are between 19 cm and 25 cm (7 and 9.8 inches) long. Their unusually long legs give them a boost of height.

span

Adult burrowing owls have a wingspan between 50.8 cm and 61 cm (20 in and 24 in), similar to that of a magpie.

Burrowing owl in flight, showing full wingspan

weight

The average weight of a burrowing owl is between 150 and 170 grams (5.3 and 6 ounces).

Weight may vary throughout the year, with spawning females being significantly heavier at the start of the breeding season. The minimum weight of this species can be as low as 120 g (4.2 oz) or occasionally as high as 230 g (8.1 oz).

How big are burrowing owls compared to humans?

Burrowing owls are small compared to humans, with even the largest individuals less than a foot tall. The smallest burrowing owls can easily fit in the palm of an adult.

Despite their diminutive stature, burrowing owls have a fairly large wingspan for their size, about one-third the height of a 6-foot adult when spread out.

Closeup of a Burrowing Owl

How big an animal can a burrowing owl pick up?

Common prey for burrowing owls include bats, mice and small rodents, insects and invertebrates, and birds. Pigeons weigh almost the same as burrowing owls and are often caught and eaten.

Depending on habitat, snakes, lizards, frogs and toads are also hunted by hungry burrowing owls. Prey is caught by its feet but usually carried by its beak, which limits the size of items a burrowing owl can successfully carry.

While feeding their young, small prey such as caterpillars and grasshoppers are often captured and brought to the den by the hunting female during the day. In contrast, during nesting, the male hunts at dusk and dawn, often carrying small rodents for the young to eat.

Burrowing owl perched on a rock

Why are burrowing owls so small?

Burrowing owls spend most of their lives on the ground, and their small size allows them to live in burrows, where they can be safe from predators. Their size allows them to sometimes take advantage of burrows dug by small mammals, especially prairie dogs or squirrels, meaning they don’t have to expend a lot of effort creating or finding a suitable nest.

Because burrowing owls are so small, they don’t need to live in large ranges or territories, as they are able to meet their hunting needs from a much smaller area. Unlike larger owls, burrowing owls are also good at eating fruit and seeds.

Because burrowing owls can’t rely on their size to intimidate or control potential prey, they’ve evolved some pretty cool adaptations to ensure their survival.

They are able to emit a convincing rattlesnake hiss from deep within their burrows to deter any potential predators from entering their space.

Burrowing owl outside the nest with chicks (owlet)

Burrowing owls compared to other birds

Burrowing owls are slightly larger than American robins and about the same size as meadowlarks and red-winged blackbirds. They are slightly smaller in height than blue jays, but have a wider wingspan.

Compared to penguins (another common upright bird), burrowing owls are even smaller than the smallest penguin species, the little blue penguin (Eucalyptus), between 30 cm and 33 cm (12 inches and 13 inches) high.

However, the burrowing owl is not the smallest owl species in the world. Elf Owl (Mikrateni), native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, are much smaller, measuring 12.5 cm to 14.5 cm and weighing only about 40 g (1.4 oz).

At the other end of the scale, the Eurasian Horned Owl (swollen lymph nodes in the groin) and Blakiston’s fish owl (swollen lymph nodes in the groin) are both about 75 cm tall, about three times taller than the largest burrowing owls. Burrowing owls are also eclipsed by the wingspan of these giant predators,

Burrowing owls aren’t the smallest owl species

common problem

How tall is a burrowing owl?

Burrowing owls stand between 19 cm and 25 cm (7 to 9.8 inches) tall from the end of their talons to the top of their head. Their extra-long legs make up a good portion of this height.