The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) is arguably one of the most lovable MSHCP-protected species. Covered in brown and white feathers, this cutie is only 7-10 inches tall with giant yellow eyes that are as vivid as the sun.

Despite its small stature, burrowing owls can migrate great distances throughout the western United States and even as far south as El Salvador. Although they can migrate, some burrowing owls stay in western Riverside County year-round.

As its name suggests, the birds live in underground burrows abandoned by ground squirrels and other small mammals. Nesting also occurs below ground. The owls can lay two to 12 eggs, which usually hatch in about four weeks. The owlets tend to fly about six to seven weeks after hatching.

Burrowing owls hunt small lizards, birds, and insects at dusk and dawn. They prefer to live in low lying vegetation like pastures, grasslands, and fields and need large open spaces to forage for prey. If you see a large section of grassland with holes in the ground, watch out! You may be able to spot a burrowing owl.

Currently a California Species of Special Concern, this species is also a candidate to be listed as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act. The owl is threatened by disappearing grasslands, land development, rodent control measures, and prolonged droughts. The MSHCP includes 27,470 acres of suitable habitat in five Core Areas including Lake Skinner/Diamond Valley Lake, Playa west of Hemet, San Jacinto Wildlife Area/Mystic Lake, Lake Mathews, and the Santa Ana River.

The burrowing owl has proven to be resilient in recent translocation efforts. Using cameras, owls that were successfully translocated, along with their offspring born at the translocation sites, have been identified occupying the translocation sites during subsequent years.