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
Burrowing owl supporters make case at Sands location
Dozens of people met at the future location of Sands Park on Saturday, not to protest the possible pickleball courts that could go there, but how the proposed courts would impact the site’s burrowing owls.
Thousands flock to Burrowing Owl Fest
On Saturday, thousands of people came to Rotary Park, some of them having to walk a half mile because it was the closest place to park, to learn not only about the owl, but to see other animals and learn about how we can do our part to save the bird, other species and the environment.
Thousands of dollars raised to protect burrowing owls at annual Cape Coral festival
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife raised thousands of dollars to protect the city’s threatened species. More than 4,600 people attended the 18th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival at Rotary Park.
Owl ‘eviction’ plan appealed
A Cape resident is appealing a Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission decision that gives the city of Cape Coral permission to remove a burrowing owl nest from a downtown park where the city holds one of its biggest events each year.
Brewery in Cape Coral launches beer to help burrowing owls
A Southwest Florida brewery says it’s come up with a beer to help Cape Coral’s official bird: the burrowing owl.
Burrowing owl nest destroyed in Cape Coral
Owl burrow destroyed by home construction in SW Cape Coral.
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.