Owls are famous for their wisdom and enigmatic charm, but among these nocturnal birds there is a small wonder that stands out as the smallest owl in the world: the elf owl.
This small bird, measuring just 5 1/2 inches tall, is not only a natural wonder but also a fascinating subject of research.
The elf owl is about the size of a sparrow. Learn what these small birds of prey look like, what they eat and where to find them.
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- What to look for when identifying an elf owl?
- What does the elf owl eat?
- An overview of the distribution and habitat of the elf owl
- The nesting habits of an elf owl
- Where will this elf owl be found?
What to look for when identifying an elf owl?
Credit: NPS
At 5 1/2 inches tall, the diminutive elf owl stands a little taller than a beverage can. Elf owls are the smallest birds of prey in the world. These are tiny birds of prey, about the size of a large sparrow and no larger than an American robin (and weighing less than a golf ball).
If you’re lucky enough to see one in the southwest, its small tail and fuzzy feather stripes will help you distinguish it from pygmy owls.
What does the elf owl eat?
This elf owl may be the smallest in the world, but don’t expect it to eat little or nothing. This elf owl consumes a lot of food as they are effective predators of insects.
A substantial component of their diet consists of moths, crickets and beetles.
An overview of the distribution and habitat of the elf owl
Credit: Reddit
Summering in the canyons, deserts, and riverine corridors of the Southwest from Arizona to Texas, this southwestern species breeds throughout the southern border states of the United States.
They migrate modest distances and winter in Mexico between October and late February or early March.
The nesting habits of an elf owl
Elves use nest boxes because they nest in cavities. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch program recommends erecting a 13-inch-high box with a 2-inch entrance hole for elf owls.
Attach the nest box to a 6 to 10 foot tall tree or pole. These birds of prey frequently nest in former woodpecker holes in huge cacti. Females lay one to five single white eggs.
Where will this elf owl be found?
Credit: University of Arizona
The world’s smallest raptor, the elf owl lives along the southern border of the United States and Mexico in arid thorn forests, deserts, pine-oak forests, and riparian forests.
Like many other songbirds in these areas, elf owls nest in old woodpecker holes and similar cavities that provide shade from the sun, shelter from rain, and protection from predators.
Elf owls emerge at night to hunt insects and other small prey, and the male makes puppy-like sounds to mark his small territory.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn