Meet the Majestic Owls of New Mexico

Wildlife and nature lovers from around the world come to New Mexico to experience the unique and diverse species of this great state. Today, let’s take a look at some of the most majestic creatures to call New Mexico home: the Burrowing, Spotted, and Flammulated Owls.

The Burrowing Owl Nods to Greet You

The beautiful Burrowing Owl has long been known as the ‘howdy bird.’ Old west cowboys gave it this name because of how Burrowing Owls seemed to greet them with a friendly nod. These owls are more likely to be found at the entrance of a burrow, rather than in the trees. Yet, their population is in decline due to habitat loss and efforts to control the populations of prairie dogs and ground squirrels. These are also the owls that are most likely to be hit by vehicles that travel through the prairies and grasslands that Burrowing Owls call home.

The Spotted Owl Mates and Nests for Life

Spotted Owls are sadly disappearing along with their primary habitat of old wood forests. They can be found in forested mountains and wooded canyons. They are particularly at home in areas where tall trees are near rocky terrain and the cliffs of New Mexico. Spotted Owls are a gentle species that frequently allow people to get pretty close. They also mate for life and typically use the same nest year after year. Those nests are found deep in the forest in hollow trees, the crevices of cliffs, and caves.

The Flammulated Owl is Easy to Miss

If you’ve spotted a Flammulated Owl, then you have a good eye. These owls are well camouflaged in New Mexico’s ponderosa pines. Until recently, they were believed to be a rare species. The reality is that they are very good hiders. Even their soft calls are easy to miss among the cacophony of sounds in the mountain pine forests.

These are just a few of the beautiful owl species that we have in the state of New Mexico. Have you encountered any of these or others, like the great horned owl?

Are you interested in helping to preserve their native habitats? Follow this link to learn how you can help in the conservation efforts of owls and other wildlife in New Mexico. Then, let us know about your experiences in the comments.