The Elf Owl is the smallest owl in the world, weighing about as much as a golf ball. It nests in abandoned woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti and desert trees in the Sonoran Desert and southwestern Texas. It is insectivorous, capturing moths and scorpions at night — it removes the stingers from scorpions before eating them.
Best time to see a Elf Owl
The best time to see a Elf Owl is April–May, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 768 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Elf Owl? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Elf Owl sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted an Elf Owl?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.