They are federally protected by the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Burrowing owls are listed as a Species of Concern in Arizona, California, Florida, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Burrowing owls numbers have been declining over the last 30 years. These opportunistic birds have often been found using construction sites with uncovered pallets, pipes, and culverts as nesting sites. Although burrowing owls are capable of digging a burrow using their sharp talons, they often utilize burrows created by ground squirrel, tortoise, or rodent burrows. Twigs, and plant material in front of a burrow is a good sign of an active nest. They are most active during the day, and hunt by swooping down from perches or hopping and running along the ground.īurrowing owls are found in dry open areas with low vegetation. They thrive in the Mojave off of a diet of insects, rodents, and reptiles. They are between 7.5 to 10 inches tall, with a wingspan of up to 24 inches. The American Kestrel is protected by the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act.īurrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small owl found throughout North America and the Mojave. They have a varied diet consisting of large insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Rarely catching anything mid flight, it relies on sharp eyesight to spot its prey from above. The American Kestrel is so small it gets knocked around by the wind quite a bit. The young begin to fledge around 4 weeks. They will also take advantage of abandoned magpie nests, cliffsides and nesting boxes.Kestrels lay between 4 to 7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents between 28 to 31 days.

Kestrels prefer to nest in cavities, and will use dead tree snags, or openings in large cacti. As they age, they tend to migrate less and less distances. While Northern resident Kestrels migrate long distance South each winter. The populations found inhabiting the warmer climates, live there year-round. American Kestrel ( Falco sparveriu s) is the world’s smallest falcon growing to be roughly the size of a robin.Kestrels are widespread throughout North America, preferring semi-open landscapes such as forest clearings, farmlands, and deserts.

North american birds of prey list