Wildlife Specialist report

have been overlooked in the past particularly as the range in which it occurs is
infrequently visited and has not been studied in detail (Hubbard 1985). In the years 1993
to 1995 there were records from two sites in the Pinos Altos Mountains (Zimmerman
1994).
Burrowing Owl (Forest Service Sensitive Species Representative of Grassland
Vegetation Cover Type) - Burrowing owl habitat is dry, open, short grass, and treeless
plains, often associated with burrowing mammals. Optimum habitat for burrowing owls
is typified by short vegetation and presence of fresh small mammal burrows (NatureServe
Explorer 2009). It is found in open grasslands, especially prairie, plains, and savanna,
sometimes in open areas such as vacant lots near human habitation (e.g., campuses,
airports, golf courses, perimeter of agricultural fields, banks of irrigation canals;
NatureServe Explorer 2009). In Northern Great Plains of U.S., preferred grassland on
aridic ustoll and typic boroll soil types where vegetation was heavily grazed by small
mammals (NatureServe Explorer 2009). Burrowing owls spend much time on the ground
or on low perches such as fence posts or dirt mounds (NatureServe Explorer 2009).
Nests of burrowing owls are often in colonies in the West, in abandoned burrows of
prairie dogs or ground squirrels or of woodchucks, foxes, badgers, armadillos, where the
owl enlarges and modifies nest burrow by digging with feet (BISON-M 2009). The nest
location and type of nest that burrowing owls tend to select their burrows in are areas
with other burrows, close to roads, surrounded by bare ground or short grass. Most often
they use burrows dug by mammals such as ground squirrels, badgers, prairie dogs,
marmots, skunks, armadillos, kangaroo rats, and tortoises. Western burrowing owls can
excavate holes where burrowing mammals are absent. Incubation is done by the female
only; In New Mexico, this begins when first egg is laid. The male feeds the female in
early morning and evening. The female comes out only briefly at these times.
Intensified land use, primarily the conversion of grasslands for agricultural purposes and
urban development, has resulted in widespread loss and fragmentation of nesting habitat.
Eradication programs for the prairie dog and ground squirrel, pesticide use and food
availability are also contributing factors to the population decline. Burrowing owls are
uncommon summer residents that breed in GNF (Zimmerman, 1995). The New Mexico
Game and Fish Department published guidelines and recommendations for burrowing
owl surveys and mitigation in 2007. They recommend the following mitigation actions to
avoid negative impacts to the species:
No disturbance should occur within 50 m of occupied burrows during the nonbreeding
season (September through February) or within 75 m during the
breeding season (March through August).
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