C0QL1MB0, OR BURROWING OWL . — Athene cuniculria.. 
The odd little Burrowing Owl, with its long legs and wise looking head, 
inhabits many parts of America, and is remarkable not only for its habit of 
burrowing in the ground, but from the sociable manner in which it lives in 
company with the curious marmot called the prairie dog. Sometimes a rattle- 
snake is found in the burrow, but the reptile is only an intruder, come to pick up 
a young Owl or a little marmot. Generally the Owl takes advantage of the 
burrows made and deserted by the marmot, but in some places it is obliged to 
work for itself, and does so in rather a clumsy fashion. 
Lizards and other reptiles have also been found in the burrows of the prairie 
dog. While sitting on the little earth mounds, or moving among the burrows, 
the Coquimbo Owl presents a very curious likeness to the prairie dog itself, and 
at a little distance might easily be taken for the little marmot as it sits erect at 
the mouth of its domicile. 
The colour of the Burrowing Owl is a rather rich brown, upon the upper 
parts of the body, diversified with a number of small grey-white spots, and 
altogether darker upon the upper surface of the wings. The under parts are 
greyish- white. The length of the bird is not quite eleven inches. The cry of 
this curious bird is unlike that of any other Owl, and bears a strong resemblance 
to the short, sharp bark of the prairie dog. 
so 
