Quck answer
The world’s smallest and toughest owl is the Elf Owl. It is only 5-6 inches tall and weighs about 1.4 ounces. Despite its small size, the Elf Owl can survive extreme temperatures and dry climates. They are found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America. Elf Owls are nocturnal and feed on insects and small rodents. They nest in cacti or abandoned woodpecker holes. Despite being small, Elf Owls have a loud call and are known for their fierce defense of their nests.
Wild Animals
The elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi), which is smaller than a golf ball, is pictured here. Flickr (CC By 2.0)
The Sonoran desert, located in southern Arizona, is home to the impressive saguaro cacti, some of which tower at a height of 40 feet (12 meters). These enormous cacti act as apartment buildings for the elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi), the world’s smallest owl, which reside in abandoned woodpecker nest cavities carved into the cactus flesh. Situated high above the ground and shielded by the saguaro’s thick walls, elf owls and their offspring are relatively protected from predators and extreme temperatures.
Elf owls are as tiny as sparrows and weigh between 1 and 2 ounces (0.02 and 0.05 kilograms), which is less than the weight of a golf ball. Their feathers are grayish-brown, making them ideal for desert camouflage, and they possess large, circular heads with pale yellow eyes, unlike other owl species that have ear tufts. Their long legs help them pursue prey on the ground, and while perched, they appear bowlegged, resembling the world’s smallest cowboys. If that isn’t adorable enough, their calls sound like a puppy yipping.
Elf owls hunt for insects and the occasional scorpion (which is consumed after extracting its stinger) at dusk and night. In this arid landscape, elf owls do not require water as they obtain all the necessary fluids from their prey.
As with other owls, elf owls are silent but deadly. Typically, air passing over bird wings produces a whooshing noise. However, owl wings have tiny projections on the leading edge and feather fringes on the trailing edge, which break up air flow and decrease noise. Soft feathers on the wings and legs absorb virtually all remaining sound. Critters are unaware of their impending doom until it is too late.
In spring, females lay one to four eggs that hatch after approximately three weeks. Initially, the father provides food for the mother and chicks, while the mother hunts for food to satisfy the growing brood after a few weeks. Once the young have fledged and the nights become cooler, and insects are more difficult to locate, elf owls migrate to Mexico and Central America for the winter.
Elf owls prefer to flee rather than fight, but they have been observed mobbing predators such as great horned owls. A few elf owls dive-bomb the larger owl while emitting loud alarm calls, followed by additional birds, sometimes of different species, joining the fray. The great horned owl’s chances of catching an elf owl for dinner plummet as its cover is blown. If a predator manages to get too close, elf owls have another trick up their sleeves: they play dead until the danger has passed.
Now That’s Interesting
A saguaro cactus may take up to ten years to grow to a height of one inch (2.5 centimeters). By the age of 70, it will produce its first flowers. Although it may never occur, a saguaro can produce its first arm by the age of 100. For reasons that are not yet understood, some saguaros have many arms, while others have none at all.
FAQ
What is the world’s smallest owl?
The world’s smallest owl is the Elf Owl, which is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It’s about 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) long and weighs only about 1.5 ounces (40 g). Despite its small size, it has incredible hunting skills and can catch insects, rodents, and small birds.
What makes the owl tough?
The owl known as the “World’s Toughest Owl” is the Northern Pygmy Owl. It’s not actually physically tough, but it’s known for its ferocity and hunting ability. It’s a small, but fierce predator that can take down prey much larger than itself, such as birds up to three times its size. It’s also able to hunt in a variety of environments, from dense forests to open fields.
Where can you find the World’s Toughest Owl?
The Northern Pygmy Owl is found in the western United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico. It prefers forested areas, but can also be found in open areas with scattered trees. It’s a solitary bird that is typically active during the day, although it may hunt at dawn and dusk as well.
What is the lifespan of the World’s Smallest, Toughest Owl?
The lifespan of the Elf Owl, the world’s smallest owl, is approximately 3-4 years in the wild. The Northern Pygmy Owl, the world’s toughest owl, has a lifespan of up to 7 years in the wild. However, owls in captivity can live much longer, with some living up to 20 years or more.
Why are owls important to the ecosystem?
Owls are important predators in the ecosystem, helping to keep populations of rodents and other small animals in check. They are also indicators of ecosystem health, as their presence or absence can be a sign of changes in the environment. Additionally, owls have cultural and spiritual significance in many cultures around the world, and are a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and scientists.
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