burrowing owl

noun

: a small diurnal chiefly ground-dwelling American owl (Athene cunicularia) of grassland and desert regions that roosts and nests in burrows

Examples of burrowing owl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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The high-quality habitat supports one of the largest herds of pronghorn antelope in Arizona, as well as nesting for western burrowing owls and a potential reintroduction site for the endangered black-footed ferret. —

John Leos, The Arizona Republic, 2 Dec. 2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune Chula Vista, CA - February 24: A burrowing owl is on exhibit for guests observe at the Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista. —

Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2024 Only 21 burrowing owl pairs nested successfully in the South Bay Area in 2023, according to the bird alliance. —

Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2024 Today’s great photo is from staff photographer Carolyn Cole of a Western burrowing owl, which moved one step closer to being designated as an endangered species in California. —

Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for burrowing owl

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of burrowing owl was in 1823

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Burrowing owl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burrowing%20owl. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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