Micrathene whitneyi
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.
Length
12.5cm to 14.5cm
Wingspan
25cm to 27cm
Weight
35g to 55g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 2,100 meters
Arid, Subtropical
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:
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