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Elf owls eat insects and small mammals and are eaten by larger raptors and snakes. While they have an important place in the food chain, they are not keystone or indicator species.
Elf owls may have a symbiotic relationship with both blind snakes (Leptotyphlops dulcis and Leptotyphlops humilis) and tree ants (genus Crematogaster). Blind snakes put in the nest to feed the nestlings may occasionally escape, remain in the nest debris, and consume ants and fly maggots that eat part of the food caches meant for the nestlings. Tree ants are symbiotic with whiskered screech-owls, and they may have a similar relationship with elf owls, in which they attack intruders but leave the owls alone.
Mutualist Species:
Elf owls struggle to regulate their body temperatures when humidity is low. As the temperature of the surrounding environment increases, elf owls cease activity, compress their feathers, hold their wings away from their bodies, close their eyes and start panting. They also practice gular fluttering. Because elf owls have difficulty keeping cool, it has been suggested that the desert is a secondary habitat for them. Desert vegetation arrived in the Sonoran Region around 8,000 ago. Elf owls probably originally inhabited evergreen woodlands and riparian forests in the area where the Sonoran Desert is now located.
Hungry nestlings peep or squeak softly, twitter, and rasp at a rate of up to 48 times a minute. The rate and volume of their vocalizations indicate how hungry they are. They trill at high pitches when fed. Males have a song type that both claims their territory and advertises themselves to females. Males sing a variant of that song that includes more notes and rises and falls in volume. The male sings continuously from a possible nest cavity. As a female nears, the male goes into the nest cavity while still singing. This advertises the potential nest cavity and incites the female to accept it. Males also have distinct songs for use in flight and before copulation. Females make unique sounds during copulation and when being fed by males. Both sexes make a short, single, soft whistle to communicate during nesting, typically when the pair is feeding their young. This strengthens the pair bond. Elf owls bark as they face intruders or mob predators. In such a situation, they flip their tails quickly back and forth. Elf owls also clap their bills during threatening situations.
Communication Channels: visual ; acoustic
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Elf owls are classified as endangered in California. In some areas where deforestation is occurring, elf owls face losses of breeding habitat due to the destruction of the woodpecker holes they use as nest cavities. Attempts at conservation have generally been unsuccessful up to this point. For example, a 1983 endeavor to bring back native riparian woodland along the Lower Colorado River had mixed results because the salinity content of the soil was too high and irrigation of the native trees proved difficult. Another attempt at conservation occurred in 1994 at the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area in Trans-Pecos, Texas. Nest-boxes modeled after disappearing ladder-backed woodpecker holes were set up. The effectiveness of the attempt is unknown because no studies were conducted before the nest-boxes were set up, and there were no control groups. 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.
Elf owls are protected under the US MBTA and are listed under Appendix II by CITES, but are not listed by the IUCN or US ESA.
US Migratory Bird Act: protected
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: appendix ii
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
At hatching, Elf Owls are covered with thick white down to the base of the claws and have large feet and bare heel pads. In 5-6 days their eyes open. Within 9-12 days they can observe, sit up, snap their beaks and rear back. After 21-22 days, the Elf Owl is active and might try ineffectively to fly. Fledging occurs 28-33 days after hatching. To incite them to leave the nest, parents may refuse to bring food to the nest cavity. Fledglings are adult size and can fly weakly upon leaving the nest. Parents continue to feed the fledglings for an unknown period of time, although the fledglings are able to catch crickets by themselves almost directly after fledging. About four months after hatching, juveniles molt to resemble adults (Henry 1999; Ligon 1968a).
There are no known adverse affects of elf owls on humans.
We do not have information on economic importance for humans for this species at this time.
Elf owls primarily eat insects — especially moths, beetles, and crickets — but occasionally they eat small mammals and reptiles, like spiny lizards, earless lizards, blind snakes and kangaroo rats. In southeastern Arizona, elf owls change their diet based on the weather. They eat mainly moths and crickets until the summer rainy season begins, then they switch to scarab beetles. Elf owls employ a sit-and-wait strategy when foraging. They search for food on the ground, in the air, and in lower to mid-level vegetation. In urbanized areas, they forage by outdoor lights, lighted windows and at hummingbird feeders. They can catch insects in flight, capturing them with their feet or beak. Sometimes elf owls chase insects on the ground and beat them from plants. Elf owls move their food back and forth between their feet and beak in order to kill, pluck, and/or eat it. They avoid consuming dangerous body parts of prey; they remove the stingers of scorpions before eating them. Elf owls cache large prey in cavities in order to eat them at a later time.
Animal Foods: mammals; reptiles; insects
Foraging Behavior: stores or caches food
Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore )
Elf owls are often found in the upland deserts of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, their range also spreads into parts of California, New Mexico and Texas. Most are members of three populations that breed in the area of the United States-Mexico border and spend the winter in southern Mexico. Three other distinct populations exist in southern Baja California and Puebla, Mexico; these populations are nonmigratory.
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
Elf owls live in a wide variety of habitats, including upland deserts, subtropical thorn woodlands, montane evergreen woodlands and canyon riparian forests, as well as in partially urbanized areas. Elf owls nest in old woodpecker holes in columnar cacti, such as the saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea), trees, such as the Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii) and agave and yucca flowering stalks. Sometimes they nest in deciduous foliage. The alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana) is commonly used for nest cavities in canyon riparian and evergreen woodlands. In suburbs and agricultural areas bordered by woods they use fence posts, utility poles and nest-boxes.
Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune ; forest ; scrub forest ; mountains
Other Habitat Features: urban ; suburban ; agricultural
The maximum age of elf owls is about five years in the wild, although they can reach 14 years in captivity. Causes of mortality among elf owls include: predation, competition with other species, competition between nestlings, and exposure.
Range lifespan
Status: captivity: 14 (high) years.
Typical lifespan
Status: wild: 5 (high) years.
Elf owls are the smallest owls in the world; the total length of an adult is 12.4 to 14.2 cm. Adults weigh 35 to 55 grams. Males and females resemble each other, but the total length of the female is 3% larger than the male, and the female is 6% larger in mass. Elf owls have short tails, yellow irises, conspicuous white eyebrow marks and two rows of white spots on the wings. Their backs are grayish-brown with buff mottling; cinnamon-brown blurry vertical streaks occur on the breast. Their bills are greenish yellow and their legs and feet are tan to dull yellow.
Range mass: 35 to 55 g.
Range length: 12.4 to 14.2 cm.
Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike; female larger
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Average basal metabolic rate: 0.259435 W.
Adult and fledgling elf owls face predation by great horned owls (Bubo virginianus), mexican jays (Aphelocoma ultramarina), and probably by Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii). Eggs and hatchlings are exposed to predation by gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi), green rat snakes (Senticolis triaspis), and maybe ringtails (Bassariscus astutus). In response to the presence of a predator in the area of the nest, the nesting pair of elf owls as well as 1 to 4 neighboring elf owls will cooperatively mob the predator by directing physical assaults on its head.
Known Predators:
Elf owls are usually monogamous. They may be serially monogamous (pairs remain together for the length of a breeding season but may choose a new mate for the next breeding season) or remain with the same mate for life.
Males are polyterritorial; they defend more than one nest cavity. The alternative cavities are places of roosting or of renesting if the first nest fails. The location of a roosting site seems to be based on behavioral thermoregulation.
Mating System: monogamous
Elf owls breed annually from April to July. Females begin breeding their first year following hatching. Elf owls raise only a single brood per year, but they do replace lost clutches and may replace lost broods. Clutches usually contain three eggs, but clutch size ranges from one to five eggs. Clutches in deserts are larger than in other habitats, probably because nesting begins earlier in deserts since food is more abundant early in the season in warmer, lower-elevation areas. Young fledge 28 to 33 days after hatching.
Breeding interval: Elf owls breed once yearly.
Breeding season: April to July
Range eggs per season: 1 to 5.
Range fledging age: 28 to 33 days.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 1 years.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal ); oviparous
Average time to hatching: 24 days.
Average eggs per season: 2.
The male captures the majority of the food for the altricial young. Often he will give the food to the female, and she will feed the chicks. After the nestlings are 2 to 3 weeks old, the female also helps to collect food.
Parental Investment: no parental involvement; altricial ; pre-fertilization; pre-hatching/birth (Protecting); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Male, Female)
El miagón de los saguaros[2] (Micrathene whitneyi), tamién conocíu como tecolote nanu, tecolotito nanu, miagón duende,[3] o búho nanu[ensin referencies] ye una especie de búho de la familia Strigidae que se reproduz nel suroeste de los Estaos Xuníos y Méxicu.[1] Con 13 a 15 centímetros d'altor, ye unu de los búhos más pequeños del mundu.
Ye unu de los búhos más pequeños del mundu, siguíu de cerca pol miagón tamaulipeco y el miagón peludo. Mide alredor de 13 a 15 centímetros d'altor y tienen un valumbu d'unos 15 centímetros.
Ye nativu del sur de los Estaos Xuníos y de Méxicu. Vive en distintos biomes incluyendo monte subtropical y tropical, carbaes y sabanes.[1] De cutiu atópense en hábitats de chaparral, y atópense con facilidá mientres la so dómina de reproducción.
Migra a Arizona y Nuevu Méxicu na primavera y el branu. Nel iviernu, atopar nel centru y sur de Méxicu. Torna al norte a mediaos d'agostu o principios de mayu.
Mientres el día despintar nos buecos de los cactus pa protexese del calor del sol. Peles nueches caza inseutos coles sos afilaes garres.
Pa criar a los sos pequeños, usualmente escueye cuévanos abandonaos de pájaro carpintero empobinaes al norte nos grandes cactus saguaros. La fema xeneralmente pon tres güevos blancos redondos. Los güevos guarar mientres 3 semana enantes de la eclosión de los pitucos. Polo xeneral, los pitucos nacen a mediaos de xunu o a principios de xunetu. A finales de xunetu, tán casi siempres apropiadamente llistos pa salir del nial pola so cuenta.
Aliméntase principalmente d'inseutos, polo qu'ocupa hábitats con un suministru d'estos. Agaves y ocotillos son llugares ideales pa l'alimentación coles polilles y otros inseutos que pueden dormir nes sos flores. Sábese que come escorpiones, de dalguna manera iguar pa cortar l'aguiyón. Vese de cutiu escorriendo a los inseutos voladores, con un vuelu similar a un papamoscas tiranu xusto dempués del anochar.
Estrémense les siguientes subespecies:[4]
M. w. Idonea, ye la subespecie residente del estremu sur de Texas hasta'l centru de Méxicu. Les poblaciones aisllaos de M. w. sanfordi son residentes del sur de Baxa California y les de M. w. graysoni de la Isla Socorro al sur-oeste de la punta de Baxa California. La subespecie M. w. graysoni aparentemente ta estinguida, probablemente dende alredor de 1970.
.
Esta páxina forma parte del wikiproyeutu Aves, un esfuerciu collaborativu col fin d'ameyorar y organizar tolos conteníos rellacionaos con esti tema. Visita la páxina d'alderique del proyeutu pa collaborar y facer entrugues o suxerencies. El miagón de los saguaros (Micrathene whitneyi), tamién conocíu como tecolote nanu, tecolotito nanu, miagón duende, o búho nanu[ensin referencies] ye una especie de búho de la familia Strigidae que se reproduz nel suroeste de los Estaos Xuníos y Méxicu. Con 13 a 15 centímetros d'altor, ye unu de los búhos más pequeños del mundu.
El mussolet dels saguaros[1] (Micrathene whitneyi) és un ocell de la família dels estrígids (Strigidae) i única espècie del gènere Micrathene. Habita els deserts amb cactus, boscos de ribera i altres medis forestals de zones àrides, al sud dels Estats Units i nord de Mèxic, des del sud de Nevada,Califòrnia, Arizona, Nou Mèxic i Texas, cap al sud fins a Sonora, Guanajuato, Puebla i Baixa Califòrnia.
El mussolet dels saguaros (Micrathene whitneyi) és un ocell de la família dels estrígids (Strigidae) i única espècie del gènere Micrathene. Habita els deserts amb cactus, boscos de ribera i altres medis forestals de zones àrides, al sud dels Estats Units i nord de Mèxic, des del sud de Nevada,Califòrnia, Arizona, Nou Mèxic i Texas, cap al sud fins a Sonora, Guanajuato, Puebla i Baixa Califòrnia.
Aderyn a rhywogaeth o adar yw Ellylldylluan (sy'n enw benywaidd; enw lluosog: ellylldylluan) a adnabyddir hefyd gyda'i enw gwyddonol Micrathene whitneyi; yr enw Saesneg arno yw Elf owl. Mae'n perthyn i deulu'r Tylluanod (Lladin: Strigidae) sydd yn urdd y Strigiformes.[1]
Talfyrir yr enw Lladin yn aml yn M. whitneyi, sef enw'r rhywogaeth.[2] Mae'r rhywogaeth hon i'w chanfod yng Ngogledd America.
Mae'r ellylldylluan yn perthyn i deulu'r Tylluanod (Lladin: Strigidae). Dyma rai o aelodau eraill y teulu:
Rhestr Wicidata:
rhywogaeth enw tacson delwedd Ptilopsis leucotis Ptilopsis leucotis Tylluan bysgod goch Scotopelia ussheri
Aderyn a rhywogaeth o adar yw Ellylldylluan (sy'n enw benywaidd; enw lluosog: ellylldylluan) a adnabyddir hefyd gyda'i enw gwyddonol Micrathene whitneyi; yr enw Saesneg arno yw Elf owl. Mae'n perthyn i deulu'r Tylluanod (Lladin: Strigidae) sydd yn urdd y Strigiformes.
Talfyrir yr enw Lladin yn aml yn M. whitneyi, sef enw'r rhywogaeth. Mae'r rhywogaeth hon i'w chanfod yng Ngogledd America.
Kulíšek trpasličí (Micrathene whitneyi) je nejmenší sova na světě.
Dorůstá pouhých 13 cm a obvykle váží kolem 30 g.
Hnízdí v dutinách saguarových kaktusů.
Žije v pouštích Střední a Severní Ameriky.
Živí se nočními můrami a hmyzem.
Mláďata těchto soviček se líhnou v období, kdy kaktusy kvetou.
V současné době jsou uznány následující poddruhy:[2]
Obrázky, zvuky či videa k tématu kulíšek trpasličí ve Wikimedia Commons
Kulíšek trpasličí (Micrathene whitneyi) je nejmenší sova na světě.
Dorůstá pouhých 13 cm a obvykle váží kolem 30 g.
Hnízdí v dutinách saguarových kaktusů.
Žije v pouštích Střední a Severní Ameriky.
Živí se nočními můrami a hmyzem.
Mláďata těchto soviček se líhnou v období, kdy kaktusy kvetou.
Der Elfenkauz (Micrathene whitneyi) ist die einzige Art der Eulengattung der Elfenkäuze (Micrathene). Mit einer Körperlänge von 13 bis 14 cm ist er eine der kleinsten Eulen.
Der Elfenkauz hat einen runden Körper, einen kurzen Schwanz und einen rundlichen Kopf ohne Federohren. Sein Verbreitungsgebiet umfasst den Südwesten der USA, sowie Ost-Mexiko und die Insel Socorro. Er bewohnt eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Waldtypen, trockene, grasbewachsene Niederungen und feuchte Savannen. Er ist dabei bis auf eine Höhe von 2.000 Meter über NN zu finden.
Als Nistplatz bevorzugt er verlassene Spechtröhren, die sich bis zu 10 Meter über dem Boden befinden. Bekannt ist er für seine Neigung, nicht nur in Baumhöhlen, sondern auch in Spechtröhren in Säulenkakteen zu nisten.
Der fast ausschließlich nachtaktive Elfenkauz jagt vor allem große Insekten.
Der Elfenkauz (Micrathene whitneyi) ist die einzige Art der Eulengattung der Elfenkäuze (Micrathene). Mit einer Körperlänge von 13 bis 14 cm ist er eine der kleinsten Eulen.
Der Elfenkauz hat einen runden Körper, einen kurzen Schwanz und einen rundlichen Kopf ohne Federohren. Sein Verbreitungsgebiet umfasst den Südwesten der USA, sowie Ost-Mexiko und die Insel Socorro. Er bewohnt eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Waldtypen, trockene, grasbewachsene Niederungen und feuchte Savannen. Er ist dabei bis auf eine Höhe von 2.000 Meter über NN zu finden.
Als Nistplatz bevorzugt er verlassene Spechtröhren, die sich bis zu 10 Meter über dem Boden befinden. Bekannt ist er für seine Neigung, nicht nur in Baumhöhlen, sondern auch in Spechtröhren in Säulenkakteen zu nisten.
Der fast ausschließlich nachtaktive Elfenkauz jagt vor allem große Insekten.
De Elfûle (Micrathene whitneyi) is in fûgel út de famylje fan de Ulefûgels dy't foarkomt yn it súdwesten fan Noard-Amearika. Mei sa'n 13-14 sm is it de lytste ûle, sawat de grutte fan in protter.
De Elfûle komt foar yn it súdwesten fan de Feriene Steaten en yn Meksiko. De fûgels dy't it noardlikst briede, oerwinterje súdliker yn sintraal Meksiko. De ûle hâldt fan woestinen dy't begroeid binne mei kaktussen en oare woestynplanten.
Dizze rôffûgels jeije it meast op grutte ynsekten. Mar se ite ek wol skorpioenen en somtiden hagedissen, slangen en lytse fûgels.
De Elfûlen meitsje harren nêst it leafst yn in ferlitten spjochtehol yn kaktussen of beammen yn de woestyn. It nêst leit sa'n 3-10 meter boppe de grûn. De fûgel leit 1-5 aaien dy't meast troch it wyfke yn 2-3 wyken útbret wurde. De jongen bliuwe ek noch seker 3 wike op it nêst, wêrby it wyfke harren it iten fuorret dat troch it mantsje brocht wurdt.
De Elfûle (Micrathene whitneyi) is in fûgel út de famylje fan de Ulefûgels dy't foarkomt yn it súdwesten fan Noard-Amearika. Mei sa'n 13-14 sm is it de lytste ûle, sawat de grutte fan in protter.
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. The elf owl frequently inhabits woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti; it also nests in natural tree cavities.[5] It is nocturnal and feeds primarily on insects.[6]
The elf owl was formally described in 1861 by the American naturalist James Graham Cooper from a specimen collected near Fort Mohave in Arizona. He coined the binomial name Athene whitneyi, choosing the specific epithet to honour the geologist Josiah Whitney.[7] The owl is now the only species placed in the genus Micrathene that was introduced in 1866 specifically for the elf owl by American ornithologist Elliott Coues.[8][9] The genus name combines the Ancient Greek mikros meaning "small" and the genus name Athene that had been introduced by Friedrich Boie in 1822.[10]
A molecular phylogenetic study of the owls published in 2019 found that the elf owl is a sister species to the South American long-whiskered owlet (Xenoglaux loweryi) that was first described in 1977.[11]
Four subspecies are recognized:[9]
M. w. idonea, the subspecies in southernmost Texas to central Mexico, is resident, as are the isolated M. w. sanfordi of southernmost Baja California and M. w. graysoni (Socorro elf owl) of Socorro Island, southwest from the tip of Baja California. The Socorro elf owl has not been recorded since 1931 and is assumed to be extinct.[12]
The elf owl is the world's lightest owl, although the long-whiskered owlet and the Tamaulipas pygmy owl are of a similarly diminutive length.[13] It is also the world's smallest owl.[14] The mean body weight of this species is 40 g (1.4 oz). These tiny owls are 12.5 to 14.5 cm (4.9 to 5.7 in) long and have a wingspan of about 27 cm (10.5 in).[15] Their primary projection (flight feather) extends nearly past their tail. They have fairly long legs and often appear bow-legged.
They are often found in chaparral, and are easily found during their breeding season. During dusk and just before dawn are the times this owl is most active, when they can often be heard calling to one another in a high-pitched whinny or chuckle. These songs often consist of 5–7 notes that repeat in short duration, similar to the sound of a young puppy. [16] The distinctive vocalizations of elf owls vary according to sex, with males exhibiting a wider repertoire of complex notes as opposed to females of the same species. Males have two primary classifications of songs, each of which share similar characteristics of structure and function. Most avian observers refer to "Class A" songs to describe those that vary in length (generally 5–15 notes), and are used as both territorial proclamation and to herald the arrival of males to females in the area. While Class A tones reflect changes in environmental factors — wind, precipitation, moonlight, and temperature — Class B songs have significantly less variation among individuals. Class B functions as the primary mating call, stimulating females and encouraging them to accept male sexual advances. As the season goes on and mating begins, Class A songs are observed with lower frequency than Class B. There are also a handful of locational, so-called "scolding", and territorial songs belonging to both male and female birds of the elf owl species. [17]
The elf owl is known to migrate in large groups, with patterns of migration varying depending on flock and habitat location. Some broods of elf owl migrate to the southwest United States (California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) in the spring and summer for breeding. In the winter, it is found in central and southern Mexico. Migrant elf owls return north in mid-April to early May. Resident populations occur in a couple of places in south central Mexico and along the Baja peninsula.[18]
Elf owls feign death when handled, an adaption that encourages a predator to relax its grip so that the owl can escape. Elf owls are also notoriously territorial. Territories are established by the male and are defended by both the male and the female, and males also tend to view their chosen female mate as a territory to be defended, as well.[17] This defense is often accomplished through the use of song. During the breeding season, elf owls are monogamous and stay in breeding pairs, but can be found in small groups during migration and when mobbing predators. Adults as well as young can be subject to predation by other predatory birds such as jays, hawks, and owls.
Elf owls usually choose abandoned, north-facing woodpecker cavities in saguaro cacti, sycamores, cottonwoods, and other hardwood trees, to raise their young. While some cavity nesters utilize vegetation as nesting substrate, elf owls have been observed removing this vegetation and prefer a bare cavity. While elf owls primarily use natural structures for their nesting, they have been known to nest in man-made structures such as telephone poles in urban areas. As populations decrease due to encroachment by urbanization, this may serve elf owls well (for more, see Conservation status). [19]
They generally mate for periods of three months, with male and female birds remaining in close proximity. During this time, females engage in the singing of locational calls (see Description for more information on elf owl vocalizations), and males respond with mating rituals of their own. Males and female forage independently during this time, but the male elf owl will often hunt for the female as she remains in the pairs' chosen habitat for the mating season. [20]
While three eggs is a very common clutch size, females may lay anywhere from one to five eggs in springtime (late March to early May). The eggs are usually round or oval shaped with a white coloration and are from 26.8 x 23.2 to 29.9 x 25.0 mm in size. The eggs are incubated for about 24 days before the chicks hatch.[20] The young owlets fledge at about 10 weeks. Usually, chicks are born in mid-June or early July. By the end of July, they are almost always fledged and ready to set out on their own.
After the young hatch, the female elf owl watches over them in the nesting cavity while the male often hunts for the young and the female herself. The male elf owl does most of the caretaking himself, feeding his brood independent of the female, who resides in the cavity. Generally this period of communal rearing lasts until the brood is 17 to 21 days of age.[20]
Elf owls live 3 to 6 years; in captivity they may live up to 10 years.[21] The most common types of mortality for these owls are predation, exposure, and inter-species as well as intra-species competition.[22]
Hunting is performed mostly during nocturnal hours. Straight line flight is often deployed for this purpose but they will use an arced flight when in the vicinity of the nest and for flying to and from perches. They live in cacti much like some birds, using the shade and climate the cacti provide.
Elf owls feed mainly on arthropods such as moths, crickets, scorpions, centipedes, and beetles. Agaves and ocotillos are ideal places for foraging, as moths and other insects may be found in their flowers. In urban areas they can be seen utilizing outdoor lights that attract bugs as areas for insect hunting. They are often seen chasing after flying insects, with a flight similar to a tyrant flycatcher's. They also feed on scorpions. Once the owl has killed the scorpion, they can be observed removing the stinger before consumption. The elf owls seem to not be bothered by scorpion stings. They will also feed on small mammals (such as kangaroo rats), reptiles (spiny lizards, earless lizards and blind snakes) and birds, on occasion.[23][24]
Populations of elf owls have continued to decline in recent years due to a continued loss of native habitats, particularly those in the desert areas of California.[25] Human activities, like increasing water diversion and home construction, have decimated these desert and riparian areas, as well as increasingly abundant invasive species (such as the salt cedar). The destruction of habitat leaves many elf owls unable to nest, hunt, and reproduce in areas like California, Arizona, and elsewhere.[25]
To date, elf owls are not considered a globally threatened species, yet they are listed as "endangered" in California due to a population of fewer than 150,000 individual owls in the United States. California has implemented a captive breeding program in an attempt to increase this number, while numerous environmental and government agencies work to preserve their riparian and desert homes.[26] Some sources report that the elf owl has already been nearly eliminated in California.[27]
An elf owl named Gylfie is a major character in the Guardians of Ga'Hoole book series by Kathryn Lasky, and the 2010 film adaptation. An elf owl plays a major role in the technothriller The Elf Owl and Imagined Amenities, by Sam Biondo.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) {{cite book}}: Check |url= value (help) 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. 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.
El mochuelo de los saguaros[2] (Micrathene whitneyi), también conocido como tecolote enano, tecolotito enano, mochuelo duende,[3] o búho enano[cita requerida] es una especie de búho de la familia Strigidae que se reproduce en el suroeste de los Estados Unidos y México.[1] Con 13 a 15 centímetros de altura, es uno de los búhos más pequeños del mundo.
Es uno de los búhos más pequeños del mundo, seguido de cerca por el mochuelo tamaulipeco y el mochuelo peludo. Mide alrededor de 13 a 15 centímetros de altura y tienen una envergadura de unos 15 centímetros.
Es nativo del sur de los Estados Unidos y de México. Vive en diferentes biomas incluyendo bosque subtropical y tropical, matorrales y sabanas.[1] A menudo se encuentran en hábitats de chaparral, y se encuentran con facilidad durante su época de reproducción.
Migra a Arizona y Nuevo México en la primavera y el verano. En el invierno, se encuentra en el centro y sur de México. Regresa al norte a mediados de agosto o principios de mayo.
Durante el día se oculta en los huecos de los cactus para protegerse del calor del sol. Por las noches caza insectos con sus afiladas garras.
Para criar a sus pequeños, usualmente elige cavidades abandonadas de pájaros carpinteros orientadas al norte en los grandes cactus saguaros. La hembra generalmente pone tres huevos blancos redondos. Los huevos se incuban durante 3 semanas antes de la eclosión de los polluelos. Por lo general, los polluelos nacen a mediados de junio o a principios de julio. A finales de julio, están casi siempre apropiadamente listos para salir del nido por su cuenta.
Se alimenta principalmente de insectos, por lo que ocupa hábitats con un suministro de estos. Agaves y ocotillos son lugares ideales para la alimentación con las polillas y otros insectos que pueden dormir en sus flores. Se sabe que come escorpiones, de alguna manera se las arregla para cortar el aguijón. Se ve a menudo persiguiendo a los insectos voladores, con un vuelo similar a un papamoscas tirano justo después del anochecer.
Se distinguen las siguientes subespecies:[4]
M. w. idonea, es la subespecie residente del extremo sur de Texas hasta el centro de México. Las poblaciones aislados de M. w. sanfordi son residentes del sur de Baja California y las de M. w. graysoni de la Isla Socorro al sur-oeste de la punta de Baja California. La subespecie M. w. graysoni aparentemente está extinta, probablemente desde alrededor de 1970.
El mochuelo de los saguaros (Micrathene whitneyi), también conocido como tecolote enano, tecolotito enano, mochuelo duende, o búho enano[cita requerida] es una especie de búho de la familia Strigidae que se reproduce en el suroeste de los Estados Unidos y México. Con 13 a 15 centímetros de altura, es uno de los búhos más pequeños del mundo.
See artikkel räägib liigist; perekonna kohta vaata artiklit Kaktusekakk (perekond) Kaktusekakk (Micrathene whitneyi) on kaklaste sugukonda kaktusekaku perekonda kuuluv linnuliik.
Ta elab Põhja-Ameerikas Ameerika Ühendriikide edelaosas ja Mehhikos. Kaktusekakk on üks väiksemaid kakulisi. Ta kaalub keskmiselt 40 grammi ja on kõige kergem kakk. Linnu pikkus on 12,5–14,5 cm ja tiibade siruulatus umbes 27 cm.
Kaktusekakk elab tavaliselt taime põhjaküljel asuvates mahajäetud rähnipesades. Tema elupaigaks on tihti saguaaro-karneegiakaktuse, plaatani või papli õõs.
Kaktusekakk toitub peamiselt putukatest.
Kaktusekakk (Micrathene whitneyi) on kaklaste sugukonda kaktusekaku perekonda kuuluv linnuliik.
Ta elab Põhja-Ameerikas Ameerika Ühendriikide edelaosas ja Mehhikos. Kaktusekakk on üks väiksemaid kakulisi. Ta kaalub keskmiselt 40 grammi ja on kõige kergem kakk. Linnu pikkus on 12,5–14,5 cm ja tiibade siruulatus umbes 27 cm.
Kaktusekakk elab tavaliselt taime põhjaküljel asuvates mahajäetud rähnipesades. Tema elupaigaks on tihti saguaaro-karneegiakaktuse, plaatani või papli õõs.
Kaktusekakk toitub peamiselt putukatest.
Micrathene whitneyi Micrathene generoko animalia da. Hegaztien barruko Strigidae familian sailkatua dago.
Micrathene whitneyi Micrathene generoko animalia da. Hegaztien barruko Strigidae familian sailkatua dago.
Kaktuspöllö (Micrathene whitneyi) on pöllöihin kuuluva lintu, joka pesii Yhdysvaltojen lounaisosissa ja Meksikossa. Se on maailman pienin pöllö, jonka jälkeen toiseksi pienin on varpuspöllö. Sen pituus on 12–30 cm, ja siipienväli on noin 40 cm, pyrstö on lyhyt. Sen jalat ovat melko pitkät, ja usein se näyttää länkisääriseltä. Linnun paino on 30–40 g. Niiden ääntelyä kuuluu hämärissä tai auringonlaskun aikaa, kun ne huutelevat toisilleen. Ääni on korkea yninää tai hykerrystä. Uros ja naaras syöksähtelevät puiden seassa ja huutelevat toisilleen.
Kaktuspöllö valitsee pesimispaikaksi yleensä hylättyjä pohjoisen suuntaan olevia tikankoloja saguarokaktuksessa[3], plataanissa, virginianpoppeliissa ja muissa kovissa puulajeissa. Naaras munii kolme pyöreää valkoista munaa. Munia haudotaan kolme viikkoa, minkä jälkeen poikaset kuoriutuvat. Ne ovat lentokykyisiä kymmenviikkoisina. Poikaset kuoriutuvat yleensä kesäkuun puolivälissä tai heinäkuun alussa. Heinäkuun lopulla ne ovat yleensä lentokykyisiä ja lähtevät pesästä.
Niitä näkee usein chapparal-alueella, ja pesimäaikaan niitä löytyy helposti. Kohdatessaan saalistajia, se tekeytyy kuolleeksi.
Kaktuspöllö muuttaa keväällä ja kesällä Arizonaan ja New Mexicoon, ja talvella niiden asuinaluetta ovat Keski- ja Etelä-Meksiko. Muuttavat kaktuspöllöt palaavat pohjoiseen huhtikuun puolivälissä tai toukokuussa.
Kaktuspöllö syö pääasiassa hyönteisiä, ja se valitsee asuinalueensa sen mukaan, että niitä esiintyy siellä. Agavet ja ocotillot ovat hyviä ruokapaikkoja, sillä yöperhoset ja monet muut hyönteiset nukkuvat niiden kukissa. Kaktuspöllöt syövät skorpioneja ja onnistuvat jotenkin poistamaan niiden piikin. Usein niiden näkee saalistavan lentäviä hyönteisiä, jolloin ne lentävät samaan tapaan kuin tyrannit hämärän laskeuduttua.
M. w. Idonea, on Teksasin eteläisimmistä osista Meksikoon ulottuvalla alueella asustava alalaji, samoin M. w. sanfordi Baja Californiassa ja M. w. graysoni Socorron saarella Baja Californian eteläkärjessä. Se laji on todennäköisesti hävinnyt 1900-luvulla, ehkä noin 1970.
Alalajit:[2]
Kaktuspöllö (Micrathene whitneyi) on pöllöihin kuuluva lintu, joka pesii Yhdysvaltojen lounaisosissa ja Meksikossa. Se on maailman pienin pöllö, jonka jälkeen toiseksi pienin on varpuspöllö. Sen pituus on 12–30 cm, ja siipienväli on noin 40 cm, pyrstö on lyhyt. Sen jalat ovat melko pitkät, ja usein se näyttää länkisääriseltä. Linnun paino on 30–40 g. Niiden ääntelyä kuuluu hämärissä tai auringonlaskun aikaa, kun ne huutelevat toisilleen. Ääni on korkea yninää tai hykerrystä. Uros ja naaras syöksähtelevät puiden seassa ja huutelevat toisilleen.
Micrathene whitneyi
La Chevêchette des saguaros (Micrathene whitneyi) parfois appelée chevêchette elfe est une espèce d'oiseau de la famille des Strigidae.
Cet oiseau vit dans le sud-ouest des États-Unis, le nord-ouest du Mexique et le sud de la péninsule de Basse-Californie (où il est résidant annuel) ; il hiverne dans l'ouest du Mexique.
D'après Alan P. Peterson, il existe quatre sous-espèces :
Micrathene whitneyi
La Chevêchette des saguaros (Micrathene whitneyi) parfois appelée chevêchette elfe est une espèce d'oiseau de la famille des Strigidae.
Cet oiseau vit dans le sud-ouest des États-Unis, le nord-ouest du Mexique et le sud de la péninsule de Basse-Californie (où il est résidant annuel) ; il hiverne dans l'ouest du Mexique.
L'elfo dei cactus (Micrathene whitneyi (J.G.Cooper, 1861)) è un uccello della famiglia degli Strigidi. È l'unica specie del genere Micrathene.[2]
È uno dei gufi più piccoli al mondo (con i suoi 14,5 cm di lunghezza ed i suoi 36-44 grammi di peso).
Ha una testa rotonda senza ciuffi auricolari. Il piumaggio è in genere bruno-grigiastro, presentando macchie bianche sul ventre e cannella sulla faccia. Una striscia bianca irregolare scende lungo le piume scapolari, con irregolari macchie bianche che corrono lungo il bordo esterno delle ali quando sono ripiegate. Un singolare colletto bianco corre lungo la parte inferiore della nuca. Le ali sono relativamente lunghe, e la coda, corta, presenta una barratura composta da 3 a 5 strisce orizzontali con colorazione pallida. Le zampe e le gambe sembrano nude ma sono scarsamente coperte da piume ispide. Gli occhi sono giallo pallido e sono evidenziate da sottili sopracciglia biancastre. Il volo è abbastanza simile a quello del pipistrello, ma non è irregolare.
Questo gufo adotta delle particolari soluzioni per difendersi. Quando si trova in pericolo, il gufo elfo nasconde se stesso coprendo le parti inferiori (più pallide) con un'ala. Inoltre se vengono catturati, questi si fingono morti fino a quando il pericolo è passato .
Il gufo elfo, a causa della debolezza dei suoi artigli, caccia principalmente piccole prede: prevalentemente insetti invertebrati (scorpioni, cavallette, locuste, mantidi, larve di mosca, bruchi, millepiedi e cicale), ma anche qualche topo o piccolo uccello. Raramente è stato visto cacciare lucertole o piccoli serpenti. Come tutti i gufi, non fanno rumore quando si avvicinano alle loro prede, perché il suono del battito delle loro ali è smorzato da piume che ammorbidiscono i bordi d'attacco delle ali stesse.
Intorno ad aprile, i maschi iniziano ad attrarre le femmine nelle vicinanze dei potenziali siti di nidificazione. Nelle notti di luna piena si chiamano continuamente per tutta la notte. La femmina sceglie il nido e comincia a dormire in esso prima di deporre le uova, per impedire l'occupazione del medesimo da parte di altri uccelli. Gli elfi dei cactus dipendono interamente dalle cavità che i picchi usano per nidificare, soprattutto in cactus e alberi a foglia caduca. L'ingresso del nido può essere situato ad un'altezza che va da 3 a 10 m dal suolo. In aprile o maggio, la femmina depone da 1 a 5 uova bianche. A differenza di altri gufi, la femmina può anche andare a caccia durante l'incubazione, lasciando il suo compagno ad incubare le uova durante la sua assenza. I giovani abbandonano il nido verso i 28-33 giorni. L'elfo effettua una singola covata annuale, e il suo successo riproduttivo è il più alto di qualsiasi altro gufo nordamericano. Questo è dovuto alla difficoltà che i predatori hanno nel raggiungere i nidi, in particolar modo quelli presenti sui cactus.
La specie è diffusa nelle zone aride del sud-ovest degli Stati Uniti e del Messico.
Vive soprattutto sui cactus giganti del deserto (Carnegiea gigantea), ma non disdegna platani, pini, noci, e anche i pali del telefono.
L'elfo dei cactus (Micrathene whitneyi (J.G.Cooper, 1861)) è un uccello della famiglia degli Strigidi. È l'unica specie del genere Micrathene.
De cactusuil of kabouteruil (Micrathene whitneyi) is de kleinst bekende uil. Hij leeft in het zuidwesten van Noord-Amerika.
De cactusuil is 13 tot 14 cm lang en weegt gemiddeld 40 gram. Hij heeft een gedrongen lichaam, een korte staart en een ronde kop zonder oorpluimen.
De cactusuil is een nachtdier dat nestelt in holen van spechten, die in een saguaro of in bomen zoals Platanus wrightii zijn uitgehakt. Hierin worden ongeveer drie eieren gelegd.
De cactusuil komt voor in de Verenigde Staten (zuidoostelijk Californië, zuidelijk Arizona, Texas en New Mexico) en in het westen van Mexico. Er worden vier ondersoorten onderscheiden:
De cactusuil leeft in droge gebieden met een struikvormige vegetatie en cactussen (de chaparral). Hij trekt in het voorjaar naar het noorden (Arizona, Califonië en Nieuw Mexico) en overwintert in Midden- en Zuid-Mexico.
In de wetenschappelijke naam Micrathene zijn de Griekse woorden mikros (klein) en Athene te herkennen. Pallas Athene was de Griekse godin van de wijsheid, met als symbool de uil. De soortnaam verwijst naar Amerikaans geoloog Josiah Dwight Whitney (1819–1896) daarom wordt de soort in andere talen wel Whitney's uil genoemd.
Bronnen, noten en/of referentiesDe cactusuil of kabouteruil (Micrathene whitneyi) is de kleinst bekende uil. Hij leeft in het zuidwesten van Noord-Amerika.
Alveugle (Micrathene whitneyi) er en liten ugle, den eneste i slekten Micrathene.
Alveugle er den minste av uglene. Den er på størrelse med en spurv, og måler cirka 13–14 cm og veier omkring 36–48 g, avhengig av kjønn.
Den er gråbrun med hvite flekker på skuldrene og et hvitt bånd ved vristen. Den har ikke øredusker, øynene er gule, den har svært kort hale og lange vinger. Når den sitter når de foldede vingene nesten ned til halespissen. De har relativt lange ben og kan se «hjulbent» ut.
M. w. whitneyi hekker i sørøstlige California, sørlige Arizona, vestlige Texas og nordlige Mexico. Fra September trekker de sørover for å overvintre i sentrale og sørlige Mexico. Den trekker nordover igjen i siste halvdel av april eller først i mai.
M. w. idonea er en standfugl i sørlige Texas til sentrale deler av Mexico. Det samme er den isolerte bestanden M. w. sanfordi på den sydligste tuppen av Baja California-halvøya, og M. w. graysoni på Socorro-øya som ligger sørvest for tuppen av Baja California. Den siste av disse døde ut mot slutten av det 20. århundre, sannsynligvis omkring 1970.
Alveugler lever hovedsakelig av insekter, og befinner seg derfor gjerne i omgivelser hvor det er mange slike. Den jakter gjerne i agave- og ocotillo-planter, der møll og andre insekter ofte sover i blomstene. Alveugle kan også spise skorpioner, og er i stand til å fjerne giftbrodden deres. De sees ofte når de jakter på flyvende insekter i kveldsskumringen. Flukten kan minne om enkelte fluesnappere.
I begynnelsen av hekketiden kan de høres ved solnedgang til mørkets frembrudd når de kaller på hverandre. Lyden er et høyt vrinsk eller kakling. Hannen og hunnen piler rundt i trærne og kaller på hverandre.
De legger reiret i nordvendte forlatte hakkespetthull i kaktus eller trær, hvor hunnen legger 3 runde, hvite egg. Hun ruger dem i om lag 3 uker før ungene klekkes, vanligvis i slutten av juni eller begynnelsen av juli. Ungene er flyvedyktige etter ca. 1 mnd, og klarer seg selv fra slutten av juli.
Alveugle (Micrathene whitneyi) er en liten ugle, den eneste i slekten Micrathene.
Multimedia w Wikimedia Commons Kaktusówka[4], sóweczka kaktusowa[5] (Micrathene whitneyi) – gatunek ptaka z rodziny puszczykowatych (Strigidae), jedyny przedstawiciel rodzaju Micrathene[4][6]. Najmniejszy[7] gatunek sowy. Zamieszkuje północny Meksyk i południową Amerykę Północną.
Kaktusówka, sóweczka kaktusowa (Micrathene whitneyi) – gatunek ptaka z rodziny puszczykowatych (Strigidae), jedyny przedstawiciel rodzaju Micrathene. Najmniejszy gatunek sowy. Zamieszkuje północny Meksyk i południową Amerykę Północną.
Cechy gatunku Mały, smukły ptak o brązowym upierzeniu i białym pasem nad oczami. Posiada charakterystyczny krótki ogon. Średnie wymiary Długość ciała 13,5 – 14,5 cm Biotop Pustynie, górskie lasy, brzegi rzek. Pożywienie Żywi się skorpionami i owadami: ćmami, chrząszczami, pasikonikami. Poluje nocą. Rozmnażanie Samica składa 3 – 5 jaj i wysiaduje je przez ok. 15 dni.O mocho-duende (Micrathene whitneyi) é uma espécie de ave estrigiforme pertencente à família Strigidae.[1] É a menor das aves da sua família e tem o tamanho de um pardal. A espécie vive durante o verão no Sudoeste dos Estados Unidos da América, migrando para o México nos meses de Inverno.
O mocho-duende (Micrathene whitneyi) é uma espécie de ave estrigiforme pertencente à família Strigidae. É a menor das aves da sua família e tem o tamanho de um pardal. A espécie vive durante o verão no Sudoeste dos Estados Unidos da América, migrando para o México nos meses de Inverno.
Pritlikava sovica (znanstveno ime Micrathene whitneyi) je najmanjša sova na svetu. Živi v puščavah in gozdnatih pobočjih. Razmnožuje se v jugozahodniem delu ZDA in Mehike.
Hrani se v glavnem s kobilicam, nočnimi metulji in drugimi žuželkami, nad katere se pogosto spusti s svojega počivališča. Ima kratek rep, majhna stopala in značilno sovjo obliko. Gnezdi in počiva v duplinah, ki so jih izdoble žolne - v puščavi jih naredijo saguarji, v velikih kaktusih s stebičastimi stebli.
M. w. idonea, podvrsta ima stalno prebivališče v najjužnejšem delu Teksasa do osrednje Mehike, kot ga imata tudi izolirani podvrsti M. w. sanfordi na najjužnejšem delu Baja California in M. w. graysoni Socorro Island jugo-zahodno Baja California. Ta vrsta je kasneje očitno izumrla v 20. stoletju, verjetno okoli 1970..
Pritlikava sovica (znanstveno ime Micrathene whitneyi) je najmanjša sova na svetu. Živi v puščavah in gozdnatih pobočjih. Razmnožuje se v jugozahodniem delu ZDA in Mehike.
Hrani se v glavnem s kobilicam, nočnimi metulji in drugimi žuželkami, nad katere se pogosto spusti s svojega počivališča. Ima kratek rep, majhna stopala in značilno sovjo obliko. Gnezdi in počiva v duplinah, ki so jih izdoble žolne - v puščavi jih naredijo saguarji, v velikih kaktusih s stebičastimi stebli.
Kaktusuggla[2] (Micrathene whitneyi) är en fågel i familjen ugglor inom ordningen ugglefåglar.[3]
Kaktusuggla placeras som enda art i släktet Micrathene. Den delas in i fyra underarter:[3]
Arten har ett stort utbredningsområde och en stor population, men tros minska i antal, dock inte tillräckligt kraftigt för att den ska betraktas som hotad.[1] IUCN kategoriserar därför arten som livskraftig (LC).[1]
Fågelns vetenskapliga artnamn hedrar Josiah Dwight Whitney (1819-1896), amerikansk geolog och upptäcktsresande.[4]
Wikimedia Commons har media som rör kaktusuggla.
Wikispecies har information om Micrathene whitneyi.
Kaktusuggla (Micrathene whitneyi) är en fågel i familjen ugglor inom ordningen ugglefåglar.
Cin baykuşu (Micrathene whitneyi), baykuşgiller (Strigidae) familyasından Meksika'da ve ABD'nin güneybatısında yaşayan baykuş türü.
Kaktüslü çöllerde en bol bulunan kuşlardandır, ayrıca ormanlık alanlarda, bozkırlarda ve nemli savanlarda da görülür. Kaktüs ve ağaç gövdelerinin içine yuva yapar; geceleri böcek avlayarak beslenir.
Baykuşların en küçüğü olan cin baykuşunun oval başı gövdesine oranla iri, gözleri büyük ve sarıdır.
Cin baykuşu (Micrathene whitneyi), baykuşgiller (Strigidae) familyasından Meksika'da ve ABD'nin güneybatısında yaşayan baykuş türü.
Kaktüslü çöllerde en bol bulunan kuşlardandır, ayrıca ormanlık alanlarda, bozkırlarda ve nemli savanlarda da görülür. Kaktüs ve ağaç gövdelerinin içine yuva yapar; geceleri böcek avlayarak beslenir.
Baykuşların en küçüğü olan cin baykuşunun oval başı gövdesine oranla iri, gözleri büyük ve sarıdır.
Cú lùn (Micrathene whitneyi) là một loài chim thuộc chi đơn loài Micrathene trong họ Strigidae.[2]
Micrathene whitneyi J. G. Cooper, 1861
Охранный статус
Сыч-эльф[1], или кактусовый сыч[1] (лат. Micrathene whitneyi) — мелкая сова родом из Северной Америки.
Вид описан в 1861 году американским хирургом и натуралистом Джеймсом Грэмом Купером (William Cooper) (1830—1902). Видовой эпитет сыч получил в честь Джосайи Дуайта Уитни (англ. Josiah Whitney) (1819—1896), видного американского геолога и основателя гарвардской Школы Горной промышленности. В Мексике эту сову называют «enano».
Крошечная сова, длина тела около 12—14 см, вес — около 44 г. Посадка тела вертикальная. У сыча-эльфа относительно большая голова, «ушей» нет. Слабый клюв и слабые лапы. Крылья закруглённые, длинные; размах крыльев в среднем 37-38 см. В коротком хвосте (длина 4,5—5,3 см), в отличие от других сов, 10 рулевых перьев. Ноги покрыты щетинистыми перьями. Окраска серовато-бурая с охристыми или беловатыми отметинами (у некоторых первичных и вторичных перьев могут быть белые кончики, из-за которых на спине и появляются белые точки); на животе белая с рыжевато-коричневыми разводами; ошейник белого или бурого цвета. На хвосте имеется 3-5 светлых рыжих или коричневых горизонтальных полос. С плеча по спине идёт прерывающаяся белая линия, такая же идёт по краю крыла. Голова и особенно «лицо» могут быть гораздо светлее остального оперения. Окрас более коричневый на спине и более оранжевый на голове, груди и животе. Вокруг клюва, по краям крыльев и на лбу жёлтые точки. Над глазами белые «брови». Радужина лимонно-жёлтая, клюв и когти бледно-бурые или серые, основание клюва может быть разных цветов. У молодых птиц окраска не такая пёстрая, нет пятен и «лицо» более серое.
Сычи-эльфы имеют слабые ноги и когти, что сильно затрудняет охоту. Обычно они питаются только насекомыми: кузнечиками, саранчой, молью, личинками мух, гусеницами, многоножками и цикадами, а также скорпионами и пауками. Если скорпион предназначается птенцу, родитель сначала удаляет жало, а затем уже скармливает скорпиона птенцу. Охотятся сычи-эльфы на рассвете и на закате, в сумерках, и никогда днём. Их полёт немного напоминает полёт летучих мышей и в полете они очень манёвренны, поэтому охотиться предпочитают на лету. Перья у сычей-эльфов расположены не так, как у других сов, и не позволяют им летать бесшумно, но это им и не требуется. Они пугают насекомых, заставляя тех взлететь, и затем склевывают их. Время от времени сычики охотятся на земле, выклевывая насекомых из деревьев или земли. Иногда птицы подлетают к походным кострам или другому яркому свету в поисках летающих насекомых. Прежде чем съесть добычу, сычи несут её в укрытие, где разрывают на куски, а затем поедают. Погадки маленькие, сухие и бесформенные. Они содержат в основном части тел насекомых и часто разваливаются, вскоре после того как птица их откинет. Сычи-эльфы не очень агрессивны и предпочитают улетать от опасности, а не бороться. В неволе сычи-эльфы жили до 5 лет.
В середине апреля самцы сычей-эльфов начинают петь по ночам, привлекая потенциальных партнёрш к месту гнездования. Когда двое сычей объединяются в пару, самка сразу же устраивает насест в выбранном гнезде, чтобы предотвратить его занятие другими птицами. Вход в гнездо располагается на высоте от 2 до 10 метров. В апреле — мае сычики откладывают от 2 до 5 яиц (чаще всего 3) с интервалом 1—3 дня. Высиживание начинается со второго яйца и длится 21—24 дня. В отличие от других видов сов, самка сычика-эльфа иногда охотится по ночам в период насиживания, в это время о яйцах заботится её партнёр. Птенцов выкармливает самка, но пищу ей приносит самец. В разгар охоты самец может приносить пищу очень часто, примерно раз в минуту. Оперение у птенцов появляется на 28—33 день. Хищникам трудно добраться до гнёзд сычей-эльфов, поэтому у них самый высокий процент размножения среди всех североамериканских сов. Из всех отложенных яиц 70 % птенцов доживают до оперения. Это связано с тем, что хищникам трудно добраться до гнёзд, особенно тех, что находятся в кактусах.
Сыч-эльф живет в пустынных, засушливых территориях, на прибрежных лесистых территориях и смежных плоскогорьях от 600 до 2200 метров над уровнем моря. Они живут в ущельях, каньонах, плато, и на горных наклонах. Их ареал — юго-запад США (Аризона, Калифорния, Нью-Мексико) и Мексика (Нижняя Калифорния). Местообитания сычей-эльфов тесно связано с гигантскими кактусами сагуаро. В дуплах этих кактусов, располагающихся на высоте двух и более метров от земли, сычики гнездятся. Иногда вместе с другими мелкими совами и с дятлами, которые и выдалбливают эти гнезда. Такое соседство вынужденное — сам сыч не может выдолбить гнездо из-за слабого клюва. Однако если сыч найдёт гнездо в каком-то другом дереве, он может поселится и в нём. Гнёзда сычей-эльфов были найдены в мескитовых деревьях (англ. Mesquite), дубах, платанах, грецких орехах, соснах. Иногда птицы селятся в дуплах, которые выдолбили дятлы в телефонных столбах.
Сыч-эльф, или кактусовый сыч (лат. Micrathene whitneyi) — мелкая сова родом из Северной Америки.
Вид описан в 1861 году американским хирургом и натуралистом Джеймсом Грэмом Купером (William Cooper) (1830—1902). Видовой эпитет сыч получил в честь Джосайи Дуайта Уитни (англ. Josiah Whitney) (1819—1896), видного американского геолога и основателя гарвардской Школы Горной промышленности. В Мексике эту сову называют «enano».
姬鴞（學名Micrathene whitneyi），又名嬌鵂鶹，是分佈在墨西哥及美國西南部的一種貓頭鷹。它們是世界上最細小的貓頭鷹，其次是鵂鶹屬。[2]它們高5-12吋，翼展15-16吋，尾巴很短。它們的主羽差不多長過尾巴。它們的腳很長。它們重1-1.4安士。它們會於暮晨出沒，被此對唱。
姬鴞一般會用啄木鳥在巨人柱[3]、無花果樹、楊屬及其他硬木所捨棄的鳥巢。雌鳥每次會生3隻蛋，蛋白而圓。孵化期為3星期。雛鳥要10星期大才換羽。到了7月下旬，它們已經換完羽，並可以獨立生活。
姬鴞棲息在查帕拉爾的環境，於繁殖期間很易見到它們。
姬鴞會在春天及夏天遷徙到亞利桑那州及新墨西哥州。到了冬天，它們會到墨西哥中部及南部。到了8月中或5月初，它們就向北回家。
姬鴞主要吃昆蟲，故此會住在樹多的地方。由於龍舌蘭屬及奥科提羅樹之上有很多蛾及昆蟲棲息，故此很適合它們覓食。它們也會吃蠍子，懂得如何去掉它們的刺。它們會追捕飛行中的昆蟲，飛行的樣式像霸鶲。
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