A small, partly diurnal, long-legged owl of open fields. Adult is brown overall with dark patterned wings, spotted and barred underparts, white throat and supercilium, short tail, long legs, and yellow eyes. Florida population is darker and more heavily marked.

Length: 24 (cm) Wingspan: 53 (cm)

Voice:

Coos and chatters, may imitate rattlesnake inside nest burrow.

Habitat:

Open fields, agricultural areas, grasslands, deserts, with available burrows.

Behavior:

Nests underground in empty burrows made by other animals, such as prairie dogs. Often perches on fenceposts or on ground next to burrow. Standing silhouette is similar to prairie dog or ground squirrel from a distance. May hunt during day or night; most active at dawn and dusk.

Feeding:

Hunts from ground or exposed perch, catching prey with feet; eats a variety of small animals, including birds, rodents, mammals, insects, reptiles, and scorpions.