Nesting ecology of Burrowing Owls occupying black-tailed prairie dog towns in southeastern Montana

Detailed investigations of the relationship between Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) and black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are rare, but such information is necessary to manage the population declines of owls reported throughout much of the western United States. In 1998 we studied nest-site selection, productivity, and food habits of Burrowing Owls breeding on prairie dog towns in southeastern Montana. We located 13 breeding pairs, seven of which nested on private land. Nesting density (1 pair/110 ha) on prairie dog towns was low compared to densities in other regions. Few habitat characteristics differed between nest sites and random points, but power in statistical tests was low. Nesting density and habitat use suggested the population of owl was well below carrying capacity. Productivity was 2.6 young/pair. Owls fed on invertebrates (mainly grasshoppers and beetles), mammals (mice and voles), birds (blackbirds and buntings), and amphibians (frogs). Plague (Yersinia pestis), poison, and habitat conversion have fragmented prairie dog habitat and potentially threaten owl persistence in our study area.