Burrowing Owl
At 100 square miles, Cape Coral, Florida is the second-largest city by land area in the state of Florida, with Jacksonville being the only larger city. Cape Coral also boasts the largest population of the Florida species of the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia floridana) in the state, estimated at 1,000 nesting pairs.
Weighing only 5-8.5 ounces and standing 7.5-11 inches tall, the Burrowing Owl is one of the smallest owl species in the world, and it’s unique among the 171 owl species for living underground. Unlike the Western species of Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) that inhabits abandoned prairie dog burrows, Florida’s Burrowing Owls dig their own burrows. Cape Coral is home to more than 2,500 burrows within the city limits, though not all are actively used by owls.
Photographers and birders from around the world visit Cape Coral to see these charming owls, often amazed by how easily they can be observed and photographed. However, this accessibility comes at a price. Over the years, one of the main locations to observe Burrowing Owls has been the Cape Coral Library. Many burrows used to surround the library, all bustling with owl activity. Today, only one burrow remains active, possibly due to excessive human disturbance, causing the owls to seek quieter locations.
While some Western Burrowing Owls migrate, those in Cape Coral remain year-round but may seek shelter in the summer to avoid the intense heat. The best time to see these owls is from January through June, and if you want to catch a glimpse of their chicks, the best time is late April through June.
Credit: Chris Robben
Credit: Mike Fisher
Credit: John P. Hawkins
Rules of Engagement if You Visit Our Owls
- Download a map of suggested sites to search for owls on your own.
- Call Rotary Park Environment Center to sign up for a guided bus tour to see the Burrowing Owls and other wildlife of Cape Coral.
- Maintain a safe distance from the Burrowing Owls. Every known burrow in the city, located away from residential properties, has been marked with PVC pipes. Keep in mind that Burrowing Owl burrows can extend up to 10 feet, so the owl's living area may be outside the marked zone. It is not recommended to approach an owl closer than 20 feet or linger for extended periods. While owls may appear unperturbed by your presence, it disrupts their daily activities and may hinder their hunting for food, especially when chicks are present.
- Unlike other owl species, these owls are active during the day. They can often be observed sitting in front of their burrows or on nearby perches at any time. During nesting season, which lasts from February through July, the male stands guard over the burrow for hours, while the female tends to the eggs or young chicks. When the chicks are approximately 10 days old, they will start emerging from the burrow, and you'll see more of the female outside.
- For photographers, the best lighting conditions are during the first or last light of the day, as the harsh Florida sun is less favorable for great photos. For birders, mid-day, when the sun is at its hottest, is the least ideal time to observe the owls.
- Please do not feed the owls. Their diet consists of mice, roaches, small snakes, anoles, and frogs. Not crackers, peanuts, granola bars, or McDonald’s french fries!
City of Cape Burrowing Owl Ordinance
Burrowing Owls in the News
Trick-or-Treaters run over, trample several owl burrows, conservation group says
At least four owl burrows were damaged or completely destroyed in Cape Coral over the Halloween weekend. “It’s not crushed in, so that’s the good news,” said Pascha Donaldson, the vice president of Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife.
Burrowing owl nests being threatened by developments, natural causes
Protecting the official bird of Cape Coral is a top priority for wildlife groups. The burrowing owl has gone from being classified as a species of special concern to the threatened species list.
Burrowing owlets rescued from flooded Cape Coral burrow
Four burrowing owlets were admitted to a local wildlife rehabilitation clinic after being rescued from their flooded burrow in Cape Coral.
Nesting season underway for Cape Coral burrowing owls
They’re cute, they’re curious and they’re protected! Nesting season has just begun in Cape Coral for the burrowing owl, the official bird of the Cape.
Ground Owl will predict the weather for Southwest Florida
Most of the country looks to the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, to predict how long winter will last but here in southwest Florida, we have a famous ground owl.
Cape’s Ground Owl Day remembers burrowing owls — and their supporter
This year’s event was in honor of the late Mayor Joe Coviello, who was a strong supporter of CCFW and the preservation of species that call the city home.
Browse more Cape Coral Wildlife
Gopher Tortoise
The Gopher Tortoise is a native, keystone species that is listed as threatened due to severe habitat loss.
Bald Eagle
The American Bald Eagle is protected by both federal and local laws. Their nests are typically found in old growth pine tree stands.
Florida Scrub Jay
The Scrub Jay is endemic to Florida, meaning it is not found anywhere else in the wild. It is another species under grave threat due to severe habitat loss.
Purple Martin
The Purple Martin is a migratory bird species that stops in Southwest Florida each year. CCFW volunteers have provided important habitat and monitoring.
Cape Coral Butterflies
Florida was named for its plethora of flowers. The pollinators they support, such as butterflies and skippers, are just as numerous and eye-catching!
Cats
Domestic and feral cats are not wildlife, but outdoor cats can have a terrible impact, often hunting and killing other species we care about.
Manatee
The lovable, docile manatee can be spotted relatively easily in the warm waters around Southwest Florida and Cape Coral.
Alligators
Alligators can be dangerous and should be treated with respect, but there have been no fatal encounters in Cape Coral's history.
Birds of Cape Coral
Learn more about the many species of birds that can be spotted in Cape Coral and how to identify some of them.
Brown/Green Anole
What the heck are all these lizards running around? Learn to identify the most common anoles and geckos.
Coyotes
As in many parts of the country, coyotes are extending their range into urban areas as they are driven out of their native habitats.
Bees
Bees and their pollination work are widely viewed as one the most critical building blocks in every ecosystem.