Elf owl
Micrathene whitneyi
The elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is a small grayish-brown owl about the size of a sparrow found in the Southwestern United States, central Mexico, and the Baja California peninsula.
About the Elf owl
The elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is a small grayish-brown owl about the size of a sparrow found in the Southwestern United States, central Mexico, and the Baja California peninsula. It has pale yellow eyes highlighted by thin white "eyebrows" and a gray bill with a horn-colored tip. The elf owl frequently inhabits woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti; it also nests in natural tree cavities. It is nocturnal and feeds primarily on insects.
Fun Facts About Elf owl
- The elf owl frequently inhabits woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti; it also nests in natural tree cavities.
- It has pale yellow eyes highlighted by thin white "eyebrows" and a gray bill with a horn-colored tip.
Conservation Status
The Elf owl is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | true owls |
| Genus | Micrathene |
| Species | Micrathene whitneyi |
Range & Habitat
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