The elf owl 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.
Region
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Typical Environment
Breeds from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas south through Baja California and much of western and central Mexico. It favors desert scrub, saguaro cactus stands, mesquite bosques, and riparian woodlands, also ranging into thorn forest and oak-pine foothills in Mexico. The species is strongly tied to cavities, especially old woodpecker holes in cacti and trees. It forages along desert washes, canyon edges, and semi-open habitats with scattered perches. During winter many withdraw to warmer lowlands in western and central Mexico.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The elf owl is among the smallest owls on Earth, roughly sparrow-sized. It frequently nests in abandoned woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti and natural tree cavities. Insects make up most of its diet, and it will also take scorpions, showing notable tolerance to stings. Many populations breeding in the Southwestern United States migrate to Mexico for the winter.
Temperament
secretive and nocturnal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, low-level sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically monogamous during the breeding season, nesting in cavities created by woodpeckers or natural hollows. The male often delivers food to the incubating female and later to the chicks. Pairs defend a small territory around the nest but may forage near others where cavities are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
High-pitched, yapping series of notes and chattering trills, often delivered from a concealed perch at night. Calls can sound like tiny barks or whinnies, carrying surprisingly far in desert air.
