Burrowing owls are small birds, about nine inches tall and weighing around seven ounces, with no size differences between males and females. They have pale brown feathers with white spots, bright yellow eyes, and long legs. These carnivorous owls eat small birds, reptiles, large insects, fish, and rodents, hunting both day and night. They prefer open areas like grasslands and farms, often using burrows made by other animals. Historically found in small towns in the American West, they now inhabit urban and semi-urban environments across the United States from California to Florida, as well as parts of Central and South America. Burrowing owls typically form lifelong bonded pairs and may live in small colonies. Breeding begins in mid-April, with females laying five to nine small, white eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs for about a month and share responsibilities in feeding and caring for their young. When threatened, owlets mimic a rattlesnake's sound to scare off predators. After about 40 days, they leave the nest. Unlike other owls, burrowing owls are primarily active during the day and are known for their energetic behavior. They often perch on the ground and, when disturbed, will either flatten themselves against the ground or run instead of flying.