Elf Owl - Ross Feldner This diminutive bird has the distinction of being the world’s smallest raptor. Elf Owls live in pine-oak forests, deserts and riparian woodlands along the southern US border with Mexico nesting in cavities that give them shelter from the heat, rain and predators. The Elf Owl is a nocturnal predator that hunts mostly insects including moths, crickets, scorpions, centipedes, and beetles and is notoriously territorial. Territories are established by the male and are defended by both the male and the female. Males also tend to view their chosen mate as territory to be defended as well. Elf Owl populations have continued to decline in recent years due to loss of habitat, mostly from human activities, like increasing water diversion and home construction, which have decimated desert and riparian areas. During dusk and just before dawn when they are most active, they can be heard calling to one another in a high-pitched whinny or chuckle. These songs consist of 5–7 notes that repeat in short duration, similar to the sound of a young puppy. | |
