Burrowing Owl: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification & Much More

By Kristen Haudenschild

Birds are incredible creatures that come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and colours. One fascinating species that deserves our attention is the Burrowing Owl. With a rich history, interesting facts, distinct size, unique habitat, and a specific classification, the Burrowing Owl is a bird that captivates anyone who learns about it.

The Burrowing Owl has a long history, dating back millions of years. These small owls were once abundant throughout North and South America. However, due to habitat loss and other environmental factors, their population has declined in many areas. Despite these challenges, these remarkable birds have adapted and continue to thrive in their remaining habitats.

In terms of size, Burrowing Owls are relatively small, measuring about 9 to 10 inches tall. They have a wingspan of around 20 inches, making them compact and agile fliers. Their distinctive features include their long legs, bright yellow eyes, and iconic white eyebrows, which give them a unique appearance among other owl species.

The Burrowing Owl’s habitat of choice is grasslands, deserts, and open areas with low vegetation. Unlike most owls, they do not nest in trees but instead create their homes underground in burrows. They are skilled diggers and often take over abandoned burrows dug by other animals, such as prairie dogs. This adaptation enables them to safely raise their young and protect themselves from predators.

The Burrowing Owl is a fascinating bird that stands out for its unique characteristics. Its history, facts, size, habitat, and classification make it a subject worth exploring. By learning more about this amazing animal, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse and incredible world of birds. If you want to learn more about other remarkable animals, don’t forget to check out our articles on 155+ other Animal Names.

History of Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl is a fascinating bird with a rich history. These small owls have been around for thousands of years, making their homes in burrows dug by other animals or even by themselves. They are native to North and South America and can be found in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to deserts.

Long ago, the Burrowing Owl was revered by some Native American tribes. They believed that these owls possessed special powers and would often incorporate their feathers into ceremonial clothing or use them for decorative purposes. In addition, these tribes saw the owls as wise and often consulted them for guidance.

During the early settlement of North America, the Burrowing Owl faced many challenges. As humans started to convert grasslands into farmland and encounter these owls, they were seen as pests. Farmers believed they were a threat to their crops and took measures to eliminate them. Additionally, urbanization and the destruction of their natural habitats have also contributed to the decline in their population.

Today, the Burrowing Owl is a protected species in many areas, and efforts are being made to conserve their habitat and promote breeding programs. These owls play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling rodent populations and are a valuable part of our natural heritage. It is crucial that we continue to learn about, appreciate, and protect these unique birds for generations to come.

Importance of Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl bird plays a very important role in our environment. Firstly, one of the most significant contributions of the Burrowing Owl is its natural pest control abilities. These birds prey on small creatures like rodents and insects that can be harmful to farmers and crops. By hunting and eating these creatures, Burrowing Owls help maintain a balanced ecosystem, keeping pests in check and reducing the need for harmful pesticides.

Another reason why the Burrowing Owl is important is because it creates homes for other animals. These birds dig their burrows in the ground, leaving behind abandoned burrows that are often taken over by other animals like rabbits, tortoises, and even snakes. This means that the Burrowing Owl’s burrows provide shelter and safety for a wide range of species, allowing them to survive and thrive in certain habitats.

Lastly, the presence of Burrowing Owls can indicate the health of an ecosystem. These birds are highly sensitive to changes in their habitat, especially in terms of pollution and land development. If Burrowing Owls are thriving in an area, it suggests that the environment is relatively undisturbed and supports a healthy food chain. Therefore, protecting the Burrowing Owl and its habitat is crucial for maintaining the overall well-being of the ecosystem.

The Burrowing Owl is important because it helps control pests, creates homes for other animals, and serves as an indicator of a healthy environment. It is necessary to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Burrowing Owl’s habitat and ensuring their survival for the benefit of our ecosystem.

Amazing Facts About Burrowing Owl

1. Burrowing owls are small birds, measuring around 7 to 10 inches in length.
2. They are easily recognized by their long legs and short tails, which make them look different from other owl species.
3. These birds mainly inhabit open grasslands, deserts, and agricultural fields in North and South America.
4. Burrowing owls are known for their burrow-dwelling behaviour, usually using abandoned burrows of other animals as their homes.
5. They are good excavators and sometimes dig their burrows if necessary.
6. Unlike most owl species, burrowing owls are active during the day, hunting for insects, small mammals, and reptiles.
7. These owls have excellent vision and hearing, enabling them to locate prey even when hidden underground.
8. Burrowing owls communicate through various vocalizations, including short barks, chuckles, and chattering sounds.
9. They often perch on elevated areas, such as utility poles or fence posts, to spot prey or keep an eye on their surroundings.
10. Burrowing owls have an interesting defence mechanism where they mimic the sound of a rattlesnake when threatened, deterring potential predators.
11. Mating pairs of burrowing owls engage in unique courtship displays, including mutual bill touching and posturing.
12. The female lays a clutch of 6 to 12 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for about a month.
13. Once hatched, the chicks stay in the burrow for around two weeks before they start venturing outside.
14. Burrowing owls often form small colonies where neighbouring pairs of owls live in proximity to each other.
15. Unfortunately, these birds face threats such as habitat loss, land development, and pesticide use, which have led to a decline in their populations. Efforts are being made to protect and conserve these unique and fascinating birds.

Can we keep Burrowing Owl as our Pet?

Keeping a Burrowing Owl bird as a pet may not be a good idea. These birds are not suitable to be kept in our homes because they have specific needs that are hard to meet in captivity. Additionally, it is important to protect them to prevent their extinction.

The Burrowing Owl bird is a species that is commonly found in North and South America. They live in underground burrows created by themselves or other animals. These birds have unique habits and behaviours that are difficult to replicate in a home environment. They need a large space to fly and hunt for food, and it would be hard to provide them with these necessities in a household setting.

Unfortunately, the Burrowing Owl bird is facing the risk of extinction. Due to urbanization and destruction of their natural habitats, their numbers have been declining rapidly. These birds are also affected by pollution and disturbance caused by humans. It is our responsibility to protect them and their natural habitats. Owls play an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling the population of rodents and insects.

It is not recommended to keep a Burrowing Owl bird as a pet. They have specific needs and are not well-suited to living in homes. Moreover, it is crucial to protect them and prevent their extinction by conserving their natural habitats. Let’s appreciate these wonderful creatures from a distance and contribute to their preservation in the wild.

Size of Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl bird is a relatively small creature, measuring about 7 to 10 inches in height. It has a wingspan of around 21 to 24 inches, which is the distance from one wingtip to the other when its wings are extended. Compared to other birds, the Burrowing Owl is quite petite.

This fascinating bird has a distinctive appearance with its long legs and short tail. It has a white or pale brown chest and belly, while its back and wings are spotted with brown and white feathers. The Burrowing Owl has bright yellow eyes that give it a curious and alert expression. Overall, it has a charming and compact size that captivates those who observe it.

Despite its small size, the Burrowing Owl is known for its remarkable digging abilities. It creates underground burrows in open grasslands, deserts, or prairies, hence its name. These burrows can reach up to several feet deep and are often reused by generations of owls. The size of these burrows can be quite impressive in comparison to the owl’s size, as they provide shelter and protection from predators for the bird and its family.

The Burrowing Owl is a small bird with a height of 7 to 10 inches and a wingspan of 21 to 24 inches. Its compact size, distinctive appearance, and unique burrowing abilities make it an interesting species to study and admire.

Habitat of Burrowing Owl

The burrowing owl, a unique bird species, lives in a habitat that is quite different from other birds. These owls prefer to make their homes in burrows dug into the ground. Their homes can be found in grasslands, deserts, and agricultural fields.

In these habitats, burrowing owls like to live in places where the vegetation is short and the ground is not very hard. They dig their burrows themselves or sometimes use the abandoned burrows of other animals like prairie dogs or ground squirrels. The burrows are quite amazing as they can be up to 10 feet long and have different chambers for sleeping, nesting, and storing food.

The burrowing owl’s habitat is important for its survival. The grassy areas provide plenty of insects for them to eat, such as beetles and grasshoppers. The open space also allows them to spot potential predators from a distance. These owls are mainly active during the day, unlike other owl species that are usually nocturnal. They use their keen eyesight and exceptional hearing to hunt for prey and keep a lookout for any danger.

The burrowing owl’s habitat consists of areas with short vegetation and soft ground where they can dig their burrows. They prefer grasslands, deserts, and agricultural fields. These habitats provide them with an abundant food supply and allow them to spot predators easily. The burrowing owl’s unique adaptations for living underground make it a fascinating bird to learn about.

Evolution of Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl is an amazing species of bird that has evolved in some fascinating ways over time. These birds are known for their unique behaviour of living in burrows that they dig themselves. Through the process of evolution, Burrowing Owls have developed specific adaptations that allow them to thrive in their underground homes.

In the beginning, Burrowing Owls were not skilled diggers. They likely started by using abandoned burrows made by other animals, such as prairie dogs or ground squirrels. However, as time went on, these owls began to develop their digging abilities. They started by using their sharp claws and beaks to scrape and dig the dirt away. Over generations, the Burrowing Owl’s physical characteristics changed, allowing them to become better diggers. Their legs became shorter and sturdier, enabling them to dig and navigate through tight spaces with ease.

Another interesting evolution that took place is the development of their specialized vocalizations. Burrowing Owls have become famous for their unique calls, such as their signature “coo-coo” sound. These calls serve multiple purposes, including communication with other owls and warning signals for potential predators. Through the process of natural selection, the owls with the most effective and distinctive calls were more successful in attracting mates and defending their territories.

Today, the Burrowing Owl’s evolution has made them highly adapted to the burrowing lifestyle. They have become expert diggers and skilled communicators. These remarkable birds demonstrate the incredible power of adaptation and how it can shape a species over time. Through continuous changes and improvements, the Burrowing Owls have successfully carved out a niche for themselves in the animal kingdom.

Classification of Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl bird belongs to a special group called “birds of prey.” These birds are known for their sharp eyesight and excellent hunting skills. The Burrowing Owl is a small bird that measures about 10 inches tall and weighs around 6 ounces. They have long legs and short tails, which help them move quickly while hunting for food.

In terms of classification, the Burrowing Owl belongs to the Animal Kingdom, the Phylum Chordata, the Class Aves, the Order Strigiformes, and the Family Tytonidae. This means that they are part of the same group as other birds, such as eagles and hawks. However, what makes the Burrowing Owl unique is its ability to dig and live in underground burrows.

Burrowing Owls are mainly found in North and South America. They prefer open areas like grasslands, deserts, and farmland. These birds are famous for their incredible burrowing skills, as they create their homes by digging underground tunnels. They usually occupy abandoned burrows made by other animals, like prairie dogs or ground squirrels.

The Burrowing Owl bird is a small but mighty predator that belongs to the group of birds called “birds of prey.” They are expert hunters and have special adaptations like sharp eyesight and strong legs. These birds are classified under the Animal Kingdom, the Phylum Chordata, the Class Aves, the Order Strigiformes, and the Family Tytonidae. They live in underground burrows and are often found in open areas. Protecting their habitats is important to ensure the survival of these fascinating creatures.

Different Types of Burrowing Owls

1. Western Burrowing Owl: The most common species, found in western regions of North America. They have a distinctive appearance with a white chin and spotted feathers. They make their homes in abandoned burrows or prairie dog dens.

2. Florida Burrowing Owl: Native to Florida, these owls are small and have long legs. They prefer open habitats like golf courses and farmlands to build their burrows and feed on insects and small mammals.

3. Cape Burrowing Owl: Found in South Africa, these owls have striking colours and vertical stripes on their feathers. They inhabit open grasslands and are frequently seen perching on fences or mounds.

4. Lesser Antillean Burrowing Owl: Inhabitants of the Caribbean islands, they are small and nocturnal birds. They have a unique call and spend their day hiding in burrows and emerging at night to hunt insects and small reptiles.

5. Long-tufted Burrowing Owl: Native to South America, this species has long ear tufts and a white chin. They live in grasslands, farmlands, and savannahs and mainly feed on small mammals like rodents and birds.

6. Short-tailed Burrowing Owl: These owls reside in central and South America, often known for their small size and short tails. They have a pale face with striking yellow eyes and prefer open habitats like grasslands and deserts.

7. Andean Burrowing Owl: Found in the high-altitude regions of the Andes mountains, these owls have a greyish-brown appearance. They nest in burrows and feed on small mammals and insects, adapting to the harsh conditions of their habitat.

8. Jamaican Burrowing Owls: Endemic to Jamaica, they are small and have a rich brown colouration. They live in coastal areas, nesting in sandy burrows and scavenging for crabs, insects, and small reptiles.

9. Tropical Screech Owl: These owls inhabit Central and South America and have a distinctive call that sounds like a whistling laugh. They prefer forests and make their homes in tree cavities or abandoned burrows.

10. Magellanic Burrowing Owl: Native to southern South America, they are known for their unique colour patterns with brown and white spots. They inhabit grasslands, deserts, and steppe environments, foraging for small mammals, insects, and reptiles.

Geographical Presence of Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl is a small bird that can be found in North and South America. It is mainly found in the regions of North America, including parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. In South America, it can be found in countries like Argentina and Brazil. These owls prefer open grasslands, deserts, and prairies as their habitat.

However, there are some regions where the Burrowing Owl is not found. It is not commonly found in forests or heavily wooded areas, as these habitats do not provide suitable conditions for their burrows. Additionally, they are not typically found in urban or heavily populated areas, as they prefer more open spaces and are sensitive to human disturbance.

The Burrowing Owl is primarily found in the North and South American regions. It prefers open grasslands and prairies while avoiding forests and heavily populated areas. These adaptations allow the Burrowing Owl to thrive in its chosen habitats.

Scientific Name of Burrowing Owl

The scientific name of the Burrowing Owl bird is Athene cunicularia. This small and cute owl gets its name from its unique behaviour of making a home in underground burrows. Its scientific name, Athene cunicularia, highlights its burrowing nature.

The Burrowing Owl is a fascinating bird species found in North and South America. It has distinctive features such as long legs, short tails, and bright yellow eyes. Unlike other owls, it prefers to hunt during the day, making its habitat in open grasslands and deserts.

This owl species is a skilled hunter. It feeds on small mammals like voles and mice and also preys on insects and reptiles. Its ability to dig deep burrows using sharp talons and beaks allows it to create underground homes where it raises its young and stays safe from predators.

The Burrowing Owl, scientifically known as Athene cunicularia, is a small owl species that creates burrows in the ground to make its home. Its long legs and yellow eyes make it easily recognizable. This owl is an excellent hunter, feeding on small mammals, insects, and reptiles. Its burrowing abilities provide it with protection and a safe place to raise its young.

Diet of Burrowing Owl

The diet of the Burrowing Owl bird is quite interesting! These birds eat a variety of things, including insects, small mammals, and even reptiles! They are skilled hunters and have a diverse menu to choose from.

Insects make up a big part of the Burrowing Owl’s diet. They love to eat beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and many other bugs that they find while hunting on the ground. These little birds have excellent eyesight, which helps them spot their prey from far away.

Small mammals, such as mice and rats, are also on the menu for the Burrowing Owl. They are expert hunters and can swoop down quickly to catch their prey. They use their sharp claws and beak to catch and eat these small animals. It’s like a fast-food restaurant for them!

The Burrowing Owl doesn’t stop there – they also enjoy eating reptiles like lizards and snakes. These birds are not afraid to tackle snakes that are longer than themselves! They use their powerful beak to attack and kill their prey before gobbling it up.

The Burrowing Owl has a diverse diet, which includes insects, small mammals, and reptiles. They are skilled hunters and use their sharp claws and beaks to catch their prey. These little birds are always on the lookout for their next meal, and they have a wide range of options to choose from on their menu!

Locomotion of Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl bird moves in a very interesting way! It has short legs, but it can run super fast. It uses its legs to scamper around on the ground and catch insects to eat. When it runs, it looks like it’s bouncing up and down. It moves so fast that it can even catch prey that is running away!

But the Burrowing Owl also has another special way of moving called “bobbing.” It moves its body in an up-and-down motion, kind of like a little dance. This bobbing motion helps it communicate with other Burrowing Owls and show them where its home is. It also makes them look bigger and scarier to protect themselves from predators.

Overall, the Burrowing Owl bird has a unique way of getting around. It scampers with its short legs and bounces when it runs fast. Its bobbing motion helps it communicate with other owls and protect itself from danger. It’s a small bird with big moves!

Social and Sexual Behaviour of Burrowing Owl

Burrowing owls are small birds that live in underground burrows. They have interesting social and sexual behaviours. These owls usually live in small groups or colonies, which means they live, work, and play together. They communicate with each other using different sounds, such as trills and chirps, to express their feelings and needs. They take turns staying outside the burrow to watch for predators and other dangers. This helps them protect their homes and their family members.

When it comes to their sex life, burrowing owls have a unique way of choosing a mate. Unlike other birds, they do not perform elaborate courtship dances or sing beautiful songs. Instead, the male owl brings gifts to the female owl to impress her. These gifts can be food, such as small animals or insects, or special decorations like flowers or feathers. The female will then evaluate the gifts and choose the male with the best offerings. This behaviour ensures that the male is capable of providing for her and their future offspring.

Burrowing owls display fascinating social and sexual behaviours. They form small groups, communicate with each other, and protect their burrows together. Their mating ritual involves the male presenting gifts to the female, showing his ability to provide. These behaviours help them survive and thrive in their underground homes.

Reproduction and Lifecycle of Burrowing Owl

The burrowing owl is a fascinating bird with a unique life cycle. They reproduce by laying eggs, similar to many other bird species. The female owl creates a nest in the ground, usually in abandoned burrows made by other animals like prairie dogs or tortoises. She lines the nest with feathers and grass to make it cosy and warm for her future chicks.

Once the nest is ready, the female lays her eggs. Typically, burrowing owls lay 6 to 12 eggs at a time. The eggs are small and white, about the size of a ping pong ball. The female owl then keeps the eggs warm by sitting on them, a process called incubation. This helps the eggs develop and keeps them at the right temperature.

After about a month of incubation, the eggs hatch, and adorable baby owls called owlets emerge from their shells. The owlets are fluffy and have big eyes, just like their parents. They depend on their parents for food and protection. As they grow, the parents teach them important owl skills, like hunting for prey and defending their territory.

As the owlets mature, they eventually learn to fly. This is a significant milestone in their life cycle. They begin to explore their surroundings and practice hunting on their own. After a few months, the young owls are fully independent and ready to establish their territories and find mates when they reach adulthood.

The burrowing owl’s life cycle starts with the female laying eggs in an underground nest. The eggs hatch, and the young owls, called owlets, are cared for and taught by their parents until they become independent. This unique life cycle helps ensure the survival of the burrowing owl population.

Threats to Burrowing Owl

Burrowing owls, like many other bird species, face numerous threats that put their survival at risk. One of the primary threats is habitat loss. As humans continue to develop land for agriculture, urbanization, and other purposes, the natural habitats of these owls are destroyed or disturbed. This limits the availability of suitable burrows for nesting and access to prey.

Another significant threat to these beautiful birds is predation. Burrowing owls have natural predators like coyotes, foxes, and raccoons, which can invade their burrows and harm or kill them, especially the vulnerable chicks. Additionally, larger birds such as hawks and eagles may prey upon burrowing owls during flight or while they are on the ground, further endangering their population.

Human activities also pose risks to burrowing owls. Chemical use in agriculture, such as pesticides and fertilizers, can contaminate the owl’s food sources and water supply, which can cause illness or death. Furthermore, collisions with vehicles and fences are common for these low-flying birds, often resulting in fatal injuries.

To protect burrowing owls, conservation efforts are critical. Preserving and restoring habitats is of utmost importance, ensuring that there are enough suitable areas for burrowing and foraging. Implementing measures to reduce predation, such as installing protective barriers around burrows or establishing predator management plans, can also help. Additionally, adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in agriculture and raising awareness about the importance of conserving these unique birds will contribute to their long-term survival.

The population of Burrowing Owl

The population of the Burrowing Owl bird is assumed to be around 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. These owls are found mainly in North and South America, residing in various habitats such as grasslands, deserts, and agricultural fields. They are known for their unique behaviour of living in burrows, which are often dug by other animals like prairie dogs.

Sadly, the Burrowing Owl bird is currently facing many threats that have led to a decline in its population. Loss of suitable habitat due to urbanization and agriculture is the main reason for their decrease in numbers. As their natural habitat is being converted for human activities, these owls are left without proper shelter and food sources. Furthermore, pesticide use in agricultural fields also affects these birds, as they consume small mammals and insects that might be contaminated.

If, unfortunately, the Burrowing Owl bird goes extinct, it would be a great loss to the biodiversity of our planet. It is crucial to protect and conserve their natural habitats, as well as raise awareness about the importance of these unique creatures. Taking measures to minimize habitat destruction and providing safe spaces for them to live and reproduce are necessary steps to ensure the survival of the Burrowing Owl bird.

Conclusion

The Burrowing Owl is a fascinating bird species that has a rich history and interesting facts. They are small-sized birds and can be found in North and South America. These owls make their homes in burrows underground, which makes them unique among other owl species.

The Burrowing Owl is known for its friendly and social behaviour, often being seen standing on the ground or perched on fence posts during the day. They have a distinctive appearance, with long legs and a small size that sets them apart from other owl species. Their habitat consists of open areas such as grasslands and deserts, where they can find insects and small animals to feed on.

In terms of classification, the Burrowing Owl belongs to the animal kingdom, the bird class, and the owl order. However, they have some distinctive features that separate them from other owls. For example, their ability to burrow underground and their preference for a nomadic lifestyle make them truly unique among bird species.

The Burrowing Owl is a remarkable bird that has captivated the interest of bird enthusiasts due to its history, fascinating facts, small size, and unique habitat. Its ability to build burrows and display social behaviour adds to its charm. Learning about different animal species, such as the Burrowing Owl, helps us appreciate the diversity and beauty of the animal kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions about Burrowing Owl (FAQ’s)

Q1: What is a burrowing owl?
A1: The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small species of owl known for its unique burrowing behaviour.

Q2: Where can burrowing owls be found?
A2: Burrowing owls are native to North and South America, inhabiting open grasslands, deserts, and agricultural fields.

Q3: Why are they called burrowing owls?
A3: They are called burrowing owls because they dig and live in underground burrows, usually abandoned by other small mammals.

Q4: How big are burrowing owls?
A4: Burrowing owls are relatively small, measuring around 7 to 10 inches in height and having a wingspan of approximately 21 to 24 inches.

Q5: What do burrowing owls eat?
A5: Their diet mainly consists of small mammals, insects, reptiles, and sometimes birds.

Q6: Are burrowing owls active during the day or night?
A6: Burrowing owls are most active during the day, unlike many other nocturnal owl species.

Q7: How do burrowing owls communicate?
A7: Burrowing owls communicate through various vocalizations, including soft hooting, chattering, and hissing sounds.

Q8: Do burrowing owls migrate?
A8: While some populations migrate seasonally, many burrowing owl populations are non-migratory.

Q9: How many eggs do burrowing owls lay?
A9: Burrowing owls typically lay a clutch of 6 to 12 eggs, with an incubation period of around 28 to 30 days.

Q10: Do burrowing owls mate for life?
A10: Yes, burrowing owls are known to form monogamous pair bonds, and the pairs usually stay together until the death of one partner.

Q11: Are burrowing owls endangered?
A11: Burrowing owls are considered a species of concern but their conservation status varies among regions. Some populations are endangered due to habitat loss and urbanization.

Q12: Can burrowing owls dig their burrows?
A12: While burrowing owls are capable of modifying existing burrows, they usually rely on burrows dug by other animals like prairie dogs or ground squirrels.

Q13: How deep are burrowing owl burrows?
A13: Burrowing owl burrows can reach depths of up to 10 feet, with a narrower entrance measuring around 6 to 12 inches in diameter.

Q14: Can you keep a burrowing owl as a pet?
A14: No, it is illegal to keep a burrowing owl as a pet in many countries as they are protected wild birds.

Q15: How can I help conserve burrowing owls?
A15: You can help conserve burrowing owls by supporting habitat preservation efforts, raising awareness, and participating in citizen science initiatives aimed at monitoring their populations.

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