Owls use tools: Dung is lure for beetles

Burrowing owls’ habit of bringing mammal dung to their burrows is an example of tool use, researchers say. The dung attracts beetles, an important part of owl diets, the scientists have found.

THEY WILL COME. A burrowing owl spreads dung around its burrow, attracting beetles. R. Wolfe

Owl watchers have long known that Athene cunicularia collects dung from mammals such as cows.