Elf Owl

Overview

The elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is a small, grayish-brown owl and the world's smallest and lightest owl species, with a mean body weight of just 40 g. It is native to the Southwestern United States, central Mexico, and the Baja California peninsula. Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, it is currently subject to population declines in certain regions due to habitat loss.

Identification

• Size: About the size of a sparrow, measuring 12.5 to 14.5 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 27 cm.
• Plumage: Grayish-brown overall.
• Head: Pale yellow eyes accentuated by thin white 'eyebrows'; a grey bill with a horn-coloured tip.
• Legs: Fairly long, often appearing bow-legged.
• Song: A high-pitched whinny or chuckle consisting of 5–7 notes, similar to the sound of a young puppy.

Habitat

Found in chaparral and desert environments, the elf owl frequently inhabits woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti, as well as sycamores, cottonwoods, and other hardwood trees. In urban areas, it may utilise man-made structures such as telephone poles for nesting. The species migrates to the Southwestern United States for breeding and to central or southern Mexico for winter, though resident populations exist in parts of Mexico and Baja California.

Diet

Nocturnal hunters, elf owls feed primarily on arthropods, including moths, crickets, scorpions, centipedes, and beetles, often foraging near agaves and ocotillos. In urban settings, they hunt insects attracted to outdoor lights. They also consume small mammals like kangaroo rats, as well as reptiles and occasionally birds.

Did you know?

When handled by a predator, the elf owl feigns death as an adaptation to encourage the predator to relax its grip, allowing the owl to escape. Additionally, they are observed removing the stinger from scorpions before consumption, seemingly unaffected by the venom.