Elf owl Micrathene whitneyi

Identification Tips:

• Length: 5.25 inches Wingspan: 15 inches
• Very small, nocturnal, predatory bird
• Large, rounded head
• Yellow eyes
• Brown upperparts with white spots
• Brown and gray breast with white belly
• Sexes similar
• Inhabits the southwestern United States

Similar species:

The Elf Owl can be told from other owls by its small size, yellow eyes, short tail and by voice.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.