The Smallest Owl in the World
The Elf owl lives in the Southwest part of the United States and further south into Mexico. This tiny owl primarily eats insects (scorpions and beetles) and is adapted to living in a desert environment. This five inch tall owl was formerly more wide spread in California and it is rare and declining in Texas. Strictly nocturnal, it roosts and nests in cavities in saguaro cactus and trees.