Elf Owl: Tiniest Owl In The World

By: EjazUlHaqBhat

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The elf owl is the world's smallest owl. It's about the size of a sparrow and weighs around 39 grams

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It is found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico

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Elf owls are compact little birds, with yellow eyes, short tails, no ear tufts and larger-than-usual heads for their body size

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It likes to nest in old woodpecker holes and similar cavities in trees and cacti

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Elf owls are known for their unique take on housekeeping

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They will capture a thread snake, bring it back to the nest so that it can eat the parasites that could otherwise harm its tiny owlets

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The elf owl is also the smallest raptor in the world. It is about 12-14 cm long

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Elf owls are docile and not aggressive. They are similar in size and habits to other songbirds

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