Tough as they may sound, these little guys are quite sensitive to disturbances in their habitat. These owls typically breed all throughout the range of southwestern United States and Mexico. In fact, when full grown they are often mistaken by observers as young owls. It was originally known as Whitney's Owl. However, they take any opportunity that they can to find shelter and to stake a claim on an environment out there.

It has pale yellow eyes highlighted by thin white "eyebrows" and a gray bill with a horn-colored tip. These birds begin to hunt at the twilight hour. They get all the water they need from the prey they feed upon.

Wings are long. The Elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is a small grayish brown bird about the size of a sparrow found in the Southwestern United States, central Mexico, and the Baja California peninsula. Although popularly associated with saguaro cacti (Cereus giganteus) and desert vegetation, denser and more stable populations of this species inhabit subtropical thorn woodland, montane evergreen woodland, and riparian forest. The species name It was originally known as Whitney's Owl. Wings are long. There was an Elf Owl. They are of similar length as of Tamaulipas Pygmy Owl. The species name whitneyi is a Latinised word formed from the last name of Josiah Dwight Whitney (1819-1896), a prominent American geologist.. Photo Gallery (9 pictures) Bristly feathers sparsely cover feet and legs. The Elf Owl is a tiny, short-tailed owl with a round head and no ear-tufts. Some people assume that owls only live in trees. Tail is short with 3 to 5 pale bars.

The Elf Owl is a tiny, short-tailed owl with a round head and no ear-tufts. The world’s smallest owl species, the elf owl or Micrathene whitneyi, is about the size of a sparrow at only 5 inches tall. Water in the desert can be hard to come by; no problem for the Elf Owl! Conservation efforts that should continue include: field experiments that assess the habitat and populations of elf owls before the introduction of nest-boxes, the result of introducing nest-boxes into the elf owl’s habitat, and a continuous censusing of elf owl populations, which are subject to natural cycles of population increases and declines. A desert species found primarily in Arizona and Mexico’s Sonoran desert, this owl’s diminutive stature makes it vulnerable to predators and other dangers. The Elf Owl nests exclusively in woodpecker holes found in Saguaro cacti, sycamores, pines, walnuts, and even telephone poles (determined by availability of holes in the habitat). This species is benefiting from ABC's efforts to " bring back the birds " in this area, with our focus on conserving geographically linked habitats both north and south. The Elf Owl is one that is able to live in the desert and they are found out there with the cactus. In size, it is as small as a sparrow. These birds have long legs as compared to other kinds of owls. The elf owl is the smallest of all the different kinds of owls. The Elf Owl feeds almost entirely on insects and other invertebrates, which become harder to find in cold weather, so it migrates south into Mexico for the winter.

Breeding season in North America is normally May and June (March through August in Mexico). Distinctive characteristics include a short tail, a V-shaped white stripe above their eyes, lack of ear tufts, and reddish-brown coloring with a vertically-striped, buff-colored breast. I looked out the window and saw the little birds fluttering around an odd shape in a Palo Verde tree in our front yard. The Elf Owl's habitat has reduced to four percent of the size it used to be, because people are destroying it. Let's figure out some of the most fascinating elf owl facts including elf owl habitat, diet, and reproduction. It is only about six inches tall when it is fully grown. It makes ‘chuckling’ and ‘yapping’ kind of … Let's figure out some of the most fascinating elf owl facts including elf owl habitat, diet, and reproduction. Eyes are pale yellow highlighted by white eyebrows. The Elf Owl used to live in eight different areas in California, but now they only inhabit two areas in California. Elf Owl Facts. Elf Owl: Small owl, gray-brown body heavily mottled white and cinnamon-brown. A closer look gave me quite a surprise. People are destroying it's habitat so that they can make buildings and homes. The elf owl frequently inhabits woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti; it also nests in natural tree cavities. Elf owls weigh around 40 g (1.4 oz).