As their name suggests, burrowing owls live and nest underground, rather than in trees like most other owls. These birds, native to the Americas, can dig their own burrows, but are more likely to use those abandoned by other animals, such as prairie dogs, armadillos, and tortoises. Weighing less than seven ounces, burrowing owls are 23 times lighter than the world’s largest owl, the 10-pound Blakiston’s fish owl.

Burrowing owls do resemble their kin in appearance, with large, yellow eyes; sharp, hooked beaks; long legs; brown bodies flecked and barred with white; and one long white eyebrow, which gives them a stern expression. Their earthy coloring helps them blend into varied habitats, such as grasslands, prairies, and