Elf Owl
Micrathene whitneyi
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Elf Owl is the world's smallest owl, measuring just 12.5-14.5 cm in length. Its plumage is predominantly mottled brown and grey, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. The owl has large yellow eyes and small, barely visible ear tufts.
Both sexes look similar, although females tend to be marginally larger and heavier. Juveniles are heavily mottled, fluffier with gray and brown plumage. They molt into their full adult coloring after around 4 months.
Size
Length
12.5cm to 14.5cm
Wingspan
25cm to 27cm
Weight
35g to 55g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Elf Owls inhabit arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, including desert scrub, riparian woodlands, and oak-pine forests. They are particularly associated with areas containing saguaro cacti or trees with suitable nesting cavities.
They are found in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States. Most populations in the US migrate south to Mexico for the winter, returning to breed in spring.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,100 meters
Climate zones
Arid, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Elf Owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Elf Owl demonstrates remarkable agility, being described as an agile flyer capable of swift, darting movements when hunting insects. Their ability to manoeuvre quickly in flight is essential for their nocturnal hunting style.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As the world's smallest owl, weighing about as much as a golf ball, the Elf Owl's strength is quite limited. Their diet primarily consists of insects, which aligns with their small size and relatively low strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Elf Owls show high adaptability, inhabiting various environments from sea level to 2,100 meters, including desert scrub, riparian woodlands, and oak-pine forests. Their ability to lower body temperature to conserve energy in cold desert nights further demonstrates their adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While Elf Owls are predators, they primarily focus on insects and small prey. Their small size limits confrontations with larger animals. They may display some aggression during breeding season or when defending nests, but overall, they're not particularly aggressive birds.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Elf Owls are nocturnal hunters, active throughout the night. Their ability to migrate between the southwestern United States and Mexico suggests a moderate level of endurance. However, their small size likely limits their overall endurance compared to larger bird species.
Diet
Elf Owls primarily feed on insects, especially moths, beetles, and crickets. They also consume small scorpions and occasionally small lizards or mice.
These owls hunt by swooping down from perches or catching insects in mid-air during short flights.
Behaviour
Elf Owls are nocturnal and become active at dusk. They are agile flyers capable of swift, darting movements when hunting insects.
During the day, these owls roost in tree cavities or dense foliage, often in small groups outside the breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Elf Owl's primary call is a high-pitched, repetitive 'pew pew pew' or 'chuk-chuk-chuk'. Males often give a rapid series of these notes during courtship. They may produce a sharp, cat-like 'mew' or a soft, trilling 'pr-r-r-r' when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Elf Owls typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which runs from late spring to early summer. Males attract females with a series of rapid, high-pitched calls and by showing potential nest sites.
Nests are usually located in abandoned woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti or trees. Females lay 2-4 small, white, nearly spherical eggs. The eggs are incubated primarily by the female for about 24 days.
Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after about 28-33 days. The parents may continue to feed the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Elf Owls face threats from habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts focus on preserving desert ecosystems and maintaining suitable nesting sites, particularly in saguaro cacti.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Elf Owls in saguaro cacti or tree cavities during the day
- Listen for their high-pitched, repetitive 'chuk' calls at night
- Use a flashlight to spot their eyeshine in trees after dark
- In the US, focus on desert areas of Arizona and Texas
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Elf Owls face predation from larger owls, hawks, and occasionally snakes. Their small size and nocturnal habits help them avoid many potential predators.
Did You Know?
- Elf Owls are the lightest owls in the world, weighing about as much as a golf ball.
- They sometimes store live prey in their nests for later consumption.
- Elf Owls can lower their body temperature to conserve energy during cold desert nights.
FAQs
Why do Elf owls live in cactus?
Elf owls use cavities in cacti for breeding and roosting. The chambers, hollowed out by woodpeckers, offer shelter from the intense heat and a safe place to rest or raise young, which is inaccessible to predators because of the difficult-to-navigate cactus spines.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Micrathene whitneyi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22689325A168847632.
View source - 2
report, 2019: Partners in Flight
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