Bird Guide

Elf Owl vs Indian Scops Owl

Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi)

Elf Owl

Micrathene whitneyi

Small41 gShrubland

The elf owl is the world's smallest and lightest owl, although the long-whiskered owlet and the Tamaulipas pygmy owl are of a similarly diminutive length. The mean body weight of this species is 40 g (1.4 oz). These tiny owls are 12.5 to 14.5 cm (4.9 to 5.7 in) long and have a wingspan of about 27 cm (10.5 in). Their primary projection (flight feather) extends nearly past their tail. They have fairly long legs and often appear bow-legged. They are often found in chaparral and are easily found during their breeding season.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Elf Owl
Recorded by Ryan Douglas · Madera Canyon Picnic Grounds, Pima County, Arizona, United States · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: BBODO · CC BY 3.0
Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena)

Indian Scops Owl

Otus bakkamoena

Medium146 gForest

The Indian scops owl is a small 23–25 cm (9.1–9.8 in) owl, although it is one of the largest of the scops owls. Like other scops owls, it has small head tufts, or ears. The upperparts are grey or brown, depending on the morph, with faint buff spotting. The underparts are buff with fine darker streaking. The facial disc is whitish or buff, and the eyes are orange or brown. There is a buff neckband. Sexes are similar. The flight is deeply undulating. This species is very similar to the slightly larger partially migratory collared scops owl (Otus lettia) and the oriental scops owl (Otus sunia).

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Indian Scops Owl
Recorded by Vihansith Kulatunga · Call · Watapuluwa, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: unknown · CC BY 2.5

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Elf Owl and Indian Scops Owl.