ocr: NORTHAMERICAN DESERT Elf Owl - - - ITH A BODY no longer Wiha than a sparrow's, this is the world's smallest owl. Despite its small size, it is a noisy bird - particularly during the breeding season, when the male sings from a nest hole to attract a mate. Elf owls are nocturnal, and they catch their prey by hovering over the ground, or by suddenly darting down from a perch. GOTO Long claws KEY OWLS FACTS