The elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is a small grayish-brown owl about the size of a sparrow found in the Southwestern United States, central Mexico, and the Baja California peninsula. [3] [4] It has pale yellow eyes highlighted by thin white "eyebrows" and a gray bill with a horn-colored tip.The elf owl frequently inhabits woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti; it also nests in natural tree ...

The world’s smallest raptor, the diminutive Elf Owl, lives in dry thorn forests, deserts, pine-oak forests, and riparian woodlands of the southern border of the United States and Mexico. Like many of the songbirds in these habitats, Elf Owls nest in old woodpecker holes and similar cavities, which provide relief from heat, shelter from rain, and protection from predators. At …

The Elf Owl feeds almost entirely on insects and other invertebrates, which become harder to find in cold weather, so it migrates south into Mexico for the winter. All bird guide text and rangemaps adapted from Lives of North American Birds by Kenn Kaufman© 1996, used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights ...

Apr 6, 2022 · Elf owls are true owls, members of the Strigidae family. No larger than a sparrow and weighing about as much as a golf ball, these dainty birds are stealthy hunters. Found nestled in recycled ...

The subspecies Socorro elf owl is thought to have gone extinct in around 1970. An elf owl named Gylfie plays a major character in a Kathryn Lasky book series Guardians of Ga’Hoole. Its film adaptation was released in 2010. Another elf owl also plays the main role in a techno-thriller by Sam Biondo named The Elf Owl and Imagined Amenities.

Elf owls control the population of insects and mammals they prey on and in turn, serve as a food item for local predators. These include larger birds of prey, snakes, and ringtails. Fun Facts for Kids The Elf owl is the world's lightest owl and it is also the world's smallest owl. Elf owls play dead when handled or captured; this adaptation ...

The world’s smallest raptor, the diminutive Elf Owl, lives in dry thorn forests, deserts, pine-oak forests, and riparian woodlands of the southern border of the United States and Mexico. Like many of the songbirds in these habitats, Elf Owls nest in old woodpecker holes and similar cavities, which provide relief from heat, shelter from rain, and protection from predators.

One of the smallest owls in the world, about the size of a sparrow. Patterned with rufous, gray, and white. Most similar in plumage to Flammulated Owl, but note the Elf Owl's white eyebrows, yellow eyes, tiny size, and habitat. Found in brushy woodlands and surrounding desert, where they nest in natural cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes in trees and cacti. Nocturnal; …

The 1.4-ounce Elf Owl is the smallest in North America: about the size of a sparrow and just as small as Peru's Long-whiskered Owlet. Unlike many owls, these birds are not aggressive and will “play dead” or retreat in a dangerous situation. This owl has more than a dozen different vocalizations, including a high-pitched whinny or chuckle.

May 27, 2024 · The elf owl is the world’s smallest and lightest owl, measuring 4.9 to 5.7 inches long and weighing 1.4 ounces, with a 10.5-inch wingspan. Are elf owls nocturnal? These owls are most active during dusk and dawn and can often be heard calling to …