The Western Burrowing Owl is approximately 9 inches tall and weighs up to 6 ounces. It has a rounded head, lacks ear tufts, but is easily distinguishable by its white eyebrows, bright yellow irises, and long stilt—like legs. Its plumage is a mottled brown and white coloring. The female is slightly smaller than the male and a little darker in coloring.
Fun Fact Western Burrowing Owls have a symbiotic relationship with ground squirrels. They take over vacated squirrel burrows and live in the same colonies as ground squirrels, but not in the same burrow. The ground squirrels, in turn, gain an extra pair of eyes to watch for predators.