In this candid photo we see a burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) near Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, standing on one leg. The photo was selected as Wikimedia Commons’ Picture of the Day for 19 February 2014.
The Burrowing Owl is found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. They nest and roost in burrows, such as those excavated by prairie dogs. Unlike most owls, Burrowing Owls are often active during the day, although they tend to avoid the midday heat. But like many other kinds of owls, Burrowing Owls do most of their hunting from dusk until dawn, when they can use their night vision and hearing to their advantage. Living in open grasslands as opposed to the forest, the Burrowing Owl has developed longer legs, which enables it to sprint as well as fly when hunting. [source]
