Shoco (Burrowing Owl)

Latin name: Athene cunicularia arubensis
Length: 20 cm.
Weight: The female is slightly heavier than the male.
Color: Light brown with many white spots. The Shoco’s belly is white or light brown. It has striking yellow eyes. The Shoco’s beak is yellow-green. Young owls have no white spots and have a lighter color.
Reproduction: The Shoco’s nest is a burrow in the ground. If the Shoco can’t find an existing burrow, it digs one itself in soft soil. The Shoco lays 1 or 2 eggs every other day until all eggs are laid. A Shoco can lay up to 4 eggs. After 3-4 weeks, the first chicks hatch. The Shoco takes care of the chicks for 3 months until they leave the nest. Only a few of the chicks survive.
Habitat: They dig burrows in the ground with low grass cover. An owl can live up to 9 years.
Defense mechanisms: Flying away or retreating into their burrow.
Food: Insects, mice, and lizards.
Enemies: Boas and humans (deforestation).

The Shoco is a relatively small bird that is rarely seen.
It is active during the day but becomes more active later in the day (for hunting) and in the evening.
Owls can see very well in the dark and have excellent hearing.