If you’re looking for an owl in the Sunshine State this month, stop looking at the trees. Look down.
Florida’s burrowing owls are officially starting their nesting season, a time of year when these pint-sized, yellow-eyed birds make their presence known in some unexpected places. From manicured golf courses to suburban front lawns, these underground dwellers are popping up across the state, sparking curiosity and requiring a bit of extra caution from residents.
The timing of their arrival highlights a growing reality in Florida: as human neighborhoods expand, wildlife is adapting to live right next door.
With the U.S. Census Bureau projecting the national population to near 370 million by 2080, the pressure on land is intensifying. Florida is at the epicenter of this shift. As urban sprawl consumes open fields, the burrowing owl has become a poster child for coexistence, swapping wild prairies for drainage pipes and vacant lots.
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A Distinctive Floridian
Unlike their cousins out West, the Florida burrowing owl is a non-migratory subspecies. They are true locals, staying in the state year-round. They are also distinct in their behavior; while most owls govern the night, these birds are active day and night. They are even known to hover mid-air while hunting, a trick few other owls perform.
According to a newly released publication from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), nesting season kicks off in January and runs through March. This is when the birds claim their territory. By February, breeding season begins, stretching into the humid heat of July.
Decorating the Digs
While they are capable of digging their own homes, these owls are opportunistic tenants. They frequently takeover abandoned burrows left by gopher tortoises or armadillos. In more urbanized areas, they make do with man-made infrastructure, moving into manholes, sewer drains, and PVC pipes.
They also have a flair for exterior design. Residents often spot burrows “decorated” with a strange assortment of items—feathers, grass clippings, insect parts, and even garbage. Experts believe this eclectic clutter helps deter predators.
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Rules of Engagement
Because the birds are a protected species, their new proximity to people comes with rules. UF/IFAS experts emphasize that coexistence is largely about lawn maintenance.
For homeowners hosting these feathered squatters, the guidelines are specific: maintain vegetation around the burrow entrance at under five inches to give the owls a clear line of sight. However, heavy machinery is a no-go. Residents are advised to use light weed trimmers near the burrows to avoid collapsing the tunnels.
What to Watch For
The next few months will be busy. After a roughly month-long incubation period, chicks typically emerge from the ground at just two weeks old. They stick close to their parents for about three months before fledging.
To help the species thrive, wildlife experts suggest simple modifications to the landscape. Installing “T-perches” near burrow sites gives the owls a safe vantage point to scan for predators. Homeowners are also urged to restrict pesticide use to protect the owl’s food supply and to keep domestic pets at a safe distance.
For those looking to learn more, the new UF/IFAS “Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Burrowing Owl” is now available in both English and Spanish, offering a guide on how to share the backyard with one of Florida’s most charismatic natives.
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