The elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi), native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, is believed to be the smallest owl in the world. It is just 12–14 cm (4.75–5.5 inches) long and weighs less than 50 grams (1.75 ounces). This small owl species is notable for its distinct gray feathers and large yellow eyes, and is often smaller than a person’s hand, weighing slightly less than a golf ball.
As dusk begins to fall over the dry streambeds of West Texas, an elf owl may emerge from the hollow of a sycamore tree, ready for its nightly hunt. Regardless of its small size, this owl is an expert hunter. As the sky darkens, he emerges from his tree cavity to find beetles, crickets, spiders, and sometimes even a lizard or a mouse. Elf owls are particularly adept at handling dangerous prey, such as scorpions, by removing their stingers and then placing them in their nest to eat later.
These owls thrive in desert woodlands and cactus-filled regions, which are found in southern Arizona and southwestern Texas. They often nest in abandoned woodpecker holes, which are found in towering saguaro cacti. By October, elf owls have left the United States and migrated to the warmer regions of Mexico, where food is more abundant during the winter months. But, they return to the American Southwest by February or March for the breeding season, when spring is full of insects. On the related note, got the scoop of the snowy owl – one of the top 10 arctic animals?
The elf owl’s small size and its unique adaptability make it a fascinating example of nature’s diversity. Its resilience in challenging desert habitats shows why it is considered the smallest owl in the world.
