Athene cunicularia, commonly known as the Burrowing Owl, is native to the Americas and is found across a wide geographical distribution. Its range extends from southern Canada through the western United States, into parts of Mexico, and further into Central and South America. Notably, specific populations are found in regions such as Florida, the Caribbean, and South America as far south as Argentina and Chile.

Burrowing Owls inhabit open landscapes, typically characterized by flat, treeless areas such as prairies, grasslands, deserts, and near agricultural lands. They are well-adapted to drier, arid environments with sparse vegetation, though they can also be found in areas with more temperate climates.

The Burrowing Owl occupies an ecological niche as a ground-dwelling raptor. It utilizes burrows, often those created by other animals like prairie dogs, for nesting and shelter. Their diet primarily consists of insects and small mammals, indicating a role in controlling these populations. They are active during the day and at twilight, which differentiates them from many other owl species that are nocturnal. Variations in habitat can occur due to regional adaptations, with some subspecies demonstrating slight differences in size or plumage to better blend into their specific environmental backdrop.