Elf Owl
Micrathene whitneyi
The Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is a uncommon owl found in 2 countries, weighing about 41 g. The elf owl 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.
About the Elf Owl
The elf owl 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. 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 cavities. It is nocturnal and feeds primarily on insects.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
What the Elf Owl sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, with peak activity in April. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Elf Owl?
- 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. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Elf Owl?
- The Elf Owl is a small sized bird weighing about 41 g.
- Where can you see an Elf Owl?
- The Elf Owl occurs in 2 countries, including the United States and Mexico.
- What does an Elf Owl sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Elf Owl on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to an Elf Owl?
- The Elf Owl is most easily confused with the Indian Scops Owl, the Brown Boobook and the Great Grey Owl.
- Is the Elf Owl endangered?
- The Elf Owl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Elf Owl for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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