burrowing owl

American  

noun

1. a long-legged terrestrial owl, Athene cunicularia, of North and South America, that digs a nesting burrow in open prairie land.

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Etymology

Origin of burrowing owl

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

These environmentalists have petitioned to protect the burrowing owl before, most recently in 2003 when scientists like Lynne Trulio noticed a worrisome decline in the population of burrowing owls across the state.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2024

The group is already carrying out feasibility studies in the hope of reintroducing species found on Redonda many years ago, such as the burrowing owl, a small sandy-coloured bird that nests underground.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2023

A burrowing owl was rescued after spending two weeks aboard the world’s second-largest cruise ship, Florida wildlife officials announced Tuesday.

From Washington Times • Mar. 9, 2023

Murray the burrowing owl nobly fulfills his job as “a coach to help us feel something about ourselves,” but he neither asked for nor understands the role into which he was conscripted.

From Washington Post • Feb. 6, 2023

Humans were scarce, and the swamps and woods teemed with wildlife—probably a pretty good time to be a burrowing owl, Roy mused.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen