When you think about birds of Marco Island, you probably picture shorebirds skimming the surf or wading birds stalking the mangroves. But one of the island’s most memorable residents lives underground, stands barely ten inches tall, and watches you with wide, curious eyes. The burrowing owl is small, bold, and surprisingly easy to spot if you know where to look.

This post is part of our ongoing bird series, designed to help you recognize, appreciate, and protect the wildlife that makes Marco Island special. Here’s what makes the burrowing owl unforgettable, and why its future here matters.

A Ground-Dwelling Owl With Big Personality

Unlike every other owl species, burrowing owls nest and raise their young underground, using burrows originally dug by mammals or excavating their own. On Marco Island, you’ll often see them standing upright near burrow entrances in open grassy areas, scanning for insects or keeping an eye on passing humans.

They are active during the day as well as at dawn and dusk, which makes them one of the easiest owls to observe while you explore Marco Island wildlife habitats. Their long legs, expressive faces, and quick head movements give them an alert, almost comical look.

Burrowing owls eat mostly insects like beetles and grasshoppers, along with small reptiles and rodents. To attract prey, they sometimes line their burrows with bits of debris that draw insects in, a clever hunting trick that surprises many first-time observers.

Why Burrowing Owls Need Extra Protection

Burrowing owls are listed as a protected species in Florida, and Marco Island supports one of the most closely monitored populations in the state. While vehicle strikes are a known danger, research has revealed a more hidden threat.

According to data collected by Audubon Western Everglades, rodenticide exposure has played a major role in owl mortality on the island. Tests conducted on deceased owls and other birds of prey showed widespread exposure to rat poison, which affects the nervous system and often leads to secondary impacts like car strikes.

This research helped drive a major conservation milestone. The City of Marco Island voted to eliminate rodenticide use on all city properties, setting a powerful example for residents, businesses, and HOAs to follow. Poison-free rodent control protects not just owls, but the entire food chain.

How You Can Spot and Support Them Responsibly

Seeing a burrowing owl in the wild is a highlight for many visitors interested in birdwatching Marco Island offers beyond the beaches. The key is respectful viewing. Stay well back from burrows, remain quiet, and never place objects, food, or markers near an owl site.

These owls are highly sensitive to disturbance, especially during nesting season. Approaching too closely can cause adults to abandon burrows or expose chicks to predators and heat.

The best way to support them is simple. Choose poison-free pest control at home, drive slowly in known owl areas, and share what you learn with others. If you want to get involved more directly, our resources on ethical wildlife viewing on Marco Island, nesting birds in Florida, and things to do on Marco Island beyond the beach are a good place to start.