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. [3][4] It has pale yellow eyes highlighted by thin white "eyebrows" and a gray bill with a horn-colored tip.

2025年3月5日 · Baby elf owls are characterized by their predominantly gray plumage, a stark contrast to the brown and buff tones found on adult birds. This gray coloration is crucial for camouflage during their early days in the nest. They lack the intricate mottled patterns of adults, appearing more uniform.

The baby owls fledge in 28 to 33 days after they hatch out. They are born by the mid of June or early July. By the end of July, the nestlings are almost fledged completely, and ready to leave …

Like many of the songbirds in these habitats, Elf Owls nest in old woodpecker holes and similar cavities, which provide relief from heat, shelter from rain, and protection from predators. At night, Elf Owls emerge to hunt insects and other small prey, the male giving puppylike calls that mark its small territory.</p>

Females may lay anywhere from 1 to 5 eggs in springtime (late March to early May). The eggs are usually round or oval-shaped with white coloration. The eggs are incubated for about 3 weeks before the chicks hatch. Usually, chicks are born in mid-June or early July.

Incubation is by female only, about 24 days, male brings food to female during incubation. Female remains with young most of the time at first, while male brings food for female and young. After about 2 weeks, female hunts for food also. Young leave nest at about 27-28 days, are cared for by parents for at least several days thereafter.

1998年4月1日 · Tiny, short-tailed owl that lacks ear tufts. Spotted and speckled with gray, rufous, brown, and white. Rows of white-tipped scapular and covert feathers create two white stripes on the upperparts. Tiny owl without ear tufts; nests in abandoned woodpecker holes. Note yellow eyes and light eyebrow markings. Tiny owl with yellow eyes and no ear tufts.

One of the smallest owls in the world, about the size of a sparrow. Patterned with rufous, gray, and white. Most similar in plumage to Flammulated Owl, but note the Elf Owl's white eyebrows, yellow eyes, tiny size, and habitat.

2022年9月8日 · The baby elf owl is incredibly tiny. While it’s difficult to pinpoint the actual size, it’s only going to be a couple of inches in height and it will weigh less than an ounce.

2025年3月11日 · Baby elf owls, or juveniles, are grayer than adults, with less of the buff and brown coloration. They have the same distinctive light eyebrow stripes, yellow eyes, short tail, and small size as adult owls.