Video: Burrowing Owls

Recognizing Colorado Endangered Species Week
May 10 through May 16, 2020 is Colorado Endangered Species Week. This week is dedicated to the mission of educating the public and working towards the protection of the over 300 plant and animal species that are at risk in Colorado.

The burrowing owl is the only owl in North America that nests underground (in prairie dog burrows in Colorado). And because they are active during the day, they are one of our most viewable owl species. Avian Researchers at Colorado Parks and Wildlife are studying burrowing owls in an effort to learn how management programs can be used to benefit owls and other species that depend on prairie dog colonies. The timelapse video above tells the stories of two of Colorado’s owl families.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need

Due to a decline in numbers and habitat loss, burrowing owls are one of Colorado’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need and are listed in our state wildlife action plan (SWAP). When looking for burrowing owls, you will increase your chances of seeing one if you are near a black-tailed prairie dog colony from March through September (most of our burrowing owls migrate). For more information on burrowing owls, please read our Burrowing Owls post.