My Year of Darwin 3/25/2014:

"The little owl (Athene cunicularia), which has been so often mentioned, on the plains of Buenos Ayres exclusively inhabits the holes of the bizcacha; but in Banda Oriental it is its own workman. During the open day, but more especially in the evening, these birds may be seen in every direction standing frequently by pairs on the hillock near their burrows." -Charles Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle  

Darwin is describing the Burrowing Owl. The Little Owl is a similar looking congener from Europe, whose genus Athene, alludes to the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare. The specific epithet, cunicularia, is the Latin for miner. This species is relatively common in the dry open areas of North and South America. 

Owls are interesting and this species particularly so. I wish I had more time for details but this species apparently brings dung to the entrance of the burrow then eats the insects that come to it. I've seen what was apparently the one nest for much of the Amazon located in a pasture. I've also seen them at western airports.