The smallest owl in the world is known as the Whitney's elf owl, (Micrathene whitneyi) standing at approximately 5-inches tall. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind products and gifts related to your search. The diminutive Whitney's elf owl, Micrathene whitneyi, is a common resident of the riparian areas of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Let’s get started! The elf owl is the most nocturnal of all owls.

The Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is a member of the owl family Strigidae, that breeds in the southwestern United States and Mexico.It is the world's lightest owl, although the Long-whiskered Owlet and the Tamaulipas Pygmy Owl are of a similarly diminutive length. No matter what you’re looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Elf Owl ~ Micrathene whitneyi Introduction. The species name whitneyi is a Latinised word formed from the last name of Josiah Dwight Whitney (1819-1896), a prominent American geologist.. Photo Gallery (9 pictures) This owl species is notorious for ‘playing dead’ until it is out of danger and safe. The Elf Owl is a tiny, short-tailed owl with a round head and no ear-tufts. It was originally known as Whitney's Owl. It is sometimes also called ‘Dwarf Owl’, ‘Whitney’s Owl’, ‘Texas Elf Owl’, ‘Whitney’s Elf Owl’, and ‘enano’ (Mexican).
The mean body weight of this species is 40 grams (1.4 oz). The male elf owl weighs lesser than the female elf owl. You searched for: whitney's elf owl!