Elf Owl
NameElf Owl
Common NameElf Owl
Scientific NameMicrathene whitneyi
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)28.5
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)42
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is generally grayish-brown, mottled and streaked with lighter and darker markings, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. It has a faint facial disc, prominent bright yellow eyes, and a very short tail.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a series of high-pitched, whistled 'chup-chup-chup' notes, often accelerating into a trill, or a soft 'whistle-whistle'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, saguaro cacti forests, mesquite bosques, riparian woodlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and throughout much of Mexico. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in central and southern Mexico.
Identifying FeaturesSmallest owl in the world, Bright yellow eyes, Grayish-brown streaked plumage, Very short tail, Often found in saguaro cacti
Description
The Elf Owl is the world's smallest owl, characterized by its tiny size and large, bright yellow eyes. This nocturnal bird primarily inhabits arid desert environments, often nesting in abandoned woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti.
