A New Genus For The Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owl: A New Genus and a New Home

A New Genus for the Burrowing Owl

The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) has been placed in a new genus, Athene, which was introduced by German zoologist Friedrich Boie in 1822. This move is based on recent genetic studies that have shown that the burrowing owl is more closely related to the other owls in the genus Athene than it is to the owls in the genus Speotyto, where it was previously placed.

A Unique Owl

The burrowing owl is a small, ground-dwelling owl that is found in North and South America. It is the only owl in North America that nests underground, and it often uses burrows that have been abandoned by other animals, such as prairie dogs and ground squirrels. Burrowing owls are also known for their distinctive "hoot" call, which is often heard at night.

A New Home

The move of the burrowing owl to the genus Athene is a significant change for this species. It will now be classified alongside other owls that are known for their small size and ground-dwelling habits, such as the little owl (Athene noctua) and the spotted owl (Athene brama). This change will help to highlight the unique adaptations that the burrowing owl has evolved in order to survive in its underground habitat.