Elf Owl Fact Sheet
Elf Owl Eggs Info

Elf Owl

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Elf Owl
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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