In some parts of the American West, the long-legged Burrowing Owl is known as the “howdy owl” because it seems to nod in greeting at passers-by. This up-and-down action, however, is really just the owl sizing up potential danger. The Burrowing Owl's species name cunicularia comes from the Latin word for "burrower" or "miner," and true to its name, it nests underground, usually in a burrow taken over from another species sharing its habitat, often a prairie dog, ground squirrel, or tortoise. In a

Owl about great news 🦉 24 Western burrowing owls were released in Ramona, marking the largest reintroduction of the species in San Diego. You can join us as an ally for wildlife by participating in our Wildwatch Burrowing Owl program: sdzoo.com/WildwatchBurrowingOwl Special thanks to our partners at SanDiego Habitat Conservancy. | San Diego Zoo Safari Park