Micrathene – Elf owl

North America is home to the elf owl, a little grayish-brown bird the size of a sparrow. It often seems bow-legged and has quite long legs as well.

Although elf owls are primarily solitary creatures, small groups may be seen when migrating or mobbing predators. They remain in couples throughout the mating season and become aggressively territorial. Males create territories, and both males and females defend their territories.

As insectivores, elf owls mostly eat insects like moths, crickets, scorpions, centipedes, and beetles. They will also consume birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
Elf owls regulate the population of small insects and mammals, and alongside that, they also serve as prey for bigger carnivorous species.