Description ~ 'Elf and Owl' You may wonder why these two words go together. Elf refers to the owls size as it is the smallest Owl in North America. ~ Predatory bird ~ Rounded head ~ Greenish yellow bill ~ Nocturnal ~ White eyebrows ~ Yellow eyes ~ Brown and grey breast with white belly ~ 5.25 inches long ~ 15 inch wing span ~ Weighs an average 1 1/2 oz
Elf Owl Habitat ~ Where Do Elf Owls Live? ~ The Elf Owl breeds in California, Central and Southern Texas, North Mexico and Central America ~ Woodlands and Riparian areas ~ Desert lowlands (these Owls are often referred to as Desert Elf Owls) ~ Canyons ~ Northern birds move south to Mexico in winter
Elf Owls Diet ~ Ely Owls Feed mostly at dawn and dusk on Insects ~ Spiders ~ Centipedes ~ Scorpions ~ Small lizards or birds
Elf Owl Breeding ~ Nests in woodpecker holes, cacti, pines or walnut trees ~ Mating occurs during May and June (North America) ~ March to August (Mexico) ~ Female lays 2-5 white Elf Owls eggs (most commonly 3) ~ The eggs incubate for 21-24 days ~ The young can capture food and fly at 28 days of age
Predators of the Elf Owl Egg ~ There are few predators as larger owls do not live in the same habitat ~ Other potential predators have difficulty reaching their nests
Are Elf Owls Endangered? ~ Yes their population has fallen to the point that they are rare ~ Habitat destroyed by agriculture, river damming and divers causes this ~ Starlings and other birds introduced into North America in the 1800's also threatened the Elf Owl
A Short Video Clip on An Elf Owl in a Rehabilitation center