Last Updated: December 2, 2009 by Paul Lehman
winter
summer
migration
year round
extralimital range 
Range: In North America, restricted to Southern Arizona, Southwest New Mexico, and Southwest Texas, where it is a summer resident. Also ranges over much of Mexico.
Identification: (Micrathene whitneyi)
A tiny owl of the arid Southwest. Adult is small and compact; rounded. Lacks ear tufts, patterned reddish-gray overall, with short tail, speckled gray wings, diffuse reddish streaks below, and yellow eyes. Sexes are similar.
Length: 15 (cm) Wingspan: 33 (cm)
Voice:
Thin series of barks and chirps.
Habitat:
Deserts, riparian areas, oak woodlands, and saguaro cacti.
Behavior:
Nocturnal. Nests in cavity, often in saguaro cactus. Roosts by day in cavity or dense vegetation.
Feeding:
Hunts nocturnally from stationary perch, gleaning prey from foliage or pouncing to the ground. Eats insects, mice, and other very small animals.
Field Notes
Expanded Life History
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| Adult Male Description | Contribute Content |
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| ITIS Taxonomic Number | Contribute Content |
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| ID Tips - Size & Shape | Contribute Content |
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| ID Tips - Habitat | Contribute Content |
| ID Tips - Behavior | Contribute Content |
| ID Tips - Wingspan | Contribute Content |
| ID Tips - Weight | Contribute Content |
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