Species Profile
Elf Owl
Micrathene whitneyi
Elf Owl
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
3–6 years
Length
12.5–14.5 cm
Weight
35–55 g
Wingspan
25–27 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Whitney's Elf Owl
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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.
Elevation
Sea level to 2,100 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Elf Owls face predation from larger owls, hawks, and occasionally snakes. Their small size and nocturnal habits help them avoid many potential predators.
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
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.
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