Owl Be Darned!
Found this little guy in Nevada! He is a Burrowing Owl, and is about the size of my hand!
A little Burrowing Owl trivia:
As adults, they have a body length that only ranges between 8.5 inches to 11 inches.
They have a wingspan of 20-24 inches.
They only weigh between 6 and 8 ounces.
They live approximately 9 years.
They can be found at elevations ranging from 200 feet below sea level, to 9000 feet above sea level.
They nest in burrows made by other animals, such as gophers.
Their primary diet consists of beetles and grasshoppers, but, they will eat reptiles, birds and bats. Pretty amazing, given their size.
The female can lay up to a dozen eggs, but, the care of the young, is done by the male.
They are protected under the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act.