As a leading consulting firm, Miller Legg’s Environmental Department does extensive work with native Florida wildlife, including permitting, monitoring, habitat management, and mitigation. We provide consulting services associated with Florida’s protected species including: gopher tortoise, sand hill crane, Indigo Snake, Bonneted bat, etc. and the focus of today’s blog, the Burrowing Owl.

The Burrowing Owl is one of the smallest owls in the world averaging approximately nine (9) inches in height. It lives in pairs or loose colonies in open habitats, where foraging within close proximity to their burrow is available.  Burrowing Owls feed on insects, small reptiles, amphibians and small mammals.  The typical breeding season for the Florida Burrowing Owl is February 15 to July 10, though Burrowing Owls can breed earlier or later.  Burrowing Owls usually use one primary burrow and a secondary satellite burrow as well.  Most of the time a Burrowing Owl will dig its own burrow and can conduct this activity relatively quickly.  Our staff has noted a four (4) foot long burrow dug within the time frame of one night. We think that is incredible!  Within the last year, its protective status has increased from Species of Special Concern to State Threatened.  This change in protection also changes Permitting guidelines for this unique species.

Should you have more questions about Burrowing Owls, their behavior or potential permitting for future projects please contact our office.  Miller Legg would be happy to assist  you with any of your project needs including: project planning, pre-activity, approved surveys, and permitting.  Contact us at Miller Legg at 1-800-980-0073 and ask for William Mohler.  We have in-house wildlife professionals that can help. You can view the 2018 Burrowing Owl guidelines that were approved February 2018 here: https://myfwc.com/media/2028/floridaburrowingowlguidelines-2018.pdf