A Protected Species
Florida Burrowing owls are a State listed as “Threatened Species”. This means that the birds, their eggs and burrows are protected by Federal and State laws. Although you are trying to help them, you cannot disturb, pursue, hunt, or catch a Burrowing owl; it is against the law.

On top of that, a sick or injured owl is already stressed out. The owl can be weak and dehydrated. You do not want to add to its distress. You always want to observe the owl from a safe distance, use binoculars if you can.

Your ONLY job is to be a trained observer. You want to ask and answer all of the questions and then call for the right help, if it is necessary.

 

Are you sure it is a Burrowing owl?

FLORIDA’S BURROWING OWLS
Is the owl small, about 9” tall?
Does it LACK ear tufts?
Does it have a round head?
Is it dirt brown with white spots?
Or is it buff colored?
Does it have long legs?

EASTERN SCREECH OWLS
Does it HAVE ear tufts?
Is the owl gray or red in color?
Is the underside strongly barred?
Does it have short legs?

Eastern Screech owls typically nest in tree cavities while Burrowing owls usually nest underground. Sometimes habitat can be an indicator, but Burrowing owls do roost in trees.

Are they Owlets?
Owl babies are called owlets and are small, fluffy and buff colored in both species. It makes them difficult to tell apart. Most of the time, the best way to identify a baby is to identify a parent.

Is the owl standing on one leg and so it appears injured?
Birds, including owls, often rest with one leg tucked up underneath them. Sometimes, they may appear like they have a hurt leg, but this is not the case, they are just fine.

Do you think the owl is sick because you have found it during the day?
Most owls are nocturnal or active at night, however; Burrowing owls are diurnal or also active during the day. So it is not unusual to see a Burrowing owl resting or roosting during the day, in fact this is very normal.

Is the Burrowing owl dead?
Burrowing owls are a protected species and are not to be harmed in any way, so help protect them by reporting any dead owls to the proper authorities.

Does the owl have its wing stretched out and so it appears injured?
Burrowing owls enjoy the sunshine and when relaxed, will stretch their wings out and lay very still, often times they are asleep. When they do this on a sidewalk, it appears they have been stepped on.

Does the owl exhibit any of the following indicators?
Does the owl have a visible injury?
Does the owl have uneven shoulders?
Does the owl have a drooping wing?
Does the owl have dilated pupils?
Does the owl wobble or fall over?
Does the owl have tremors or shake?

If you see any of the above indicators, please call and get the owl help. Contact the rescue center closest to the owl’s location.