Friday Fun: Gross Out!

Burrowing owls collect poop. Lots of it. And they aren’t picky about the source. They like horse poop, cow poop, dog poop, even pig poop.

What do the little birds do with their prize collections? They use it to line their underground nests. Think these owls should have their heads examined? Think again.

 

A poop-lined nest attracts insects in search of a fecal feast. And that means the owls can have a feast of their own. In fact, owls with dung in their dwellings eat ten times more dung beetles than owls with better-smelling burrows.

For more gross facts about our animal neighbors, check out Animal Grossapedia. But be sure not to read it right after lunch!