Ella
Burrowing Owl Ambassador
Male
2017 / Adult
Wing fracture
About Ella
Ella, an adult burrowing owl, was found injured in Mesa and brought to Liberty Wildlife. Ella’s wing fracture location was not operable. When the wing healed, she was unable to extend the wing completely making full flight impossible. Ella’s hunting ability was compromised, and she was judged to be non-releasable.
Description
Burrowing owls have long legs and short tails, round heads, and no ear tufts. They have brown, cream, and white plumage.
Habitat
Burrowing owls live in open habitats with sparse vegetation such as prairie, pastures, or desert, and airports. They are closely associated with prairie dogs and ground squirrels, whose burrows they use for nests.
Range
The burrowing owl is found in Western North America, through Mexico, Central and South America.
Life Span
Estimates of life span range from 3 to 11 years in the wild. In captivity, they have lived for over 10 years.
Prey / Food
Burrowing owls hunt mostly at dawn and dusk. They tend to hunt insects during the day and small mammals at night.
Babies / Nests
Burrowing owls live in burrows abandoned by prairie dogs, ground squirrels, skunks, or tortoises. Burrowing owls lay 2 – 12 eggs in a clutch. Babies hatch after about 28 – 30 days. The young leave the burrow in 44 – 53 days.
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