Burrowing Owl, South East Florida

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Burrowing OWL Lake Charleston�

Just one of hundreds of owl species, Athene Cunicularia (Speotyto Cunicularia) is characterized by its nesting habit... underground! Lake Charleston is home to a number of "cuni" families, most notably around the local Elementary School. Quite appropriate for these "wise" creatures.

Burrowing owls are actually a member of the Barn Owl family, closely related to the Little Owl though both are much smaller than the common barn owl, Tyto Alba. In common with their cousins, and indeed all owls, they live by devouring live creatures. The small (9" tall) burrowing owl typically eats insects and, around Lake Charleston, most likely small frogs and lizards (most abundant) . Another factor they have in common with all owls is that they lay white eggs. But "Cunies" do so in tunnels (nests) abandoned by other creatures or, more commonly for Lake Charleston colonies, dug by the owls themselves in the sandy soil.

The burrows can sometimes be identified by the longer grass around the nest site. Not that the owls' droppings are such great fertilizers, but rather that landscapers cut grass only so close to a recognized site. "Official" sites are also decorated with small wooden perches so that the little guys can get to look for their prey, and predators, over the top of all that long grass! Lake Charleston Cunicularia are just as happy using fire hydrants close by!

Nor do they seem to mind being such close neighbors to more than the 2,300 homes in Lake Charleston. The greatest concentration of nests is situated not more than 200 feet from a relatively busy intersection. At night they extend their hunting range into the housing developments and can be seen perching atop mailboxes! Maybe time for an updated name... Athene Cunicularia Floridana Suburbiae?

These birds have proven to be quite opportunistic in maintaining their presence in south Florida. In recent years there has been an explosion in the amount of land development for housing - and this has meant the clearing of large wooded areas. The exposed, somewhat barren landscape attracts Cunicularia, especially after drainage features have been dug. This water attracts the necessary food supply for the owls, who will often remain through the actual construction phase so long as the nest itself is not disturbed. Even so, with some foresight, a nest can be relocated ! Such is the owls' love of the Florida lifestyle.

If you see a burrowing owl on your L.C. property, you are asked to contact: Ricardo Zambrano at (561)625-5122. Mr. Zambrano is a wildlife biologist with the Everglades Regional Office of the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission and has been gathering data on burrowing owls for several years. The bird is classified by the state as a "Species of Special Concern" because of habitat loss and a lack of data on numbers, distribution, and nest sites.

Report malicious destruction or harassment of burrowing owls or their nests. Call your nearest Wildlife Alert,West Palm Beach, toll free 1-800-432-2046.

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