About the Elf Owl
The Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is a species of bird in the Owls family (Strigidae), within the order Strigiformes. This family contains 228 recognized species worldwide.
Use the eBird species code elfowl when logging sightings in eBird or other citizen science platforms.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Owls (Strigidae) |
| Species | Micrathene whitneyi |
| Species Codes | elfowl, ELOW |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Elf Owl belong to?
The Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi) belongs to the Owls family (Strigidae), in the order Strigiformes.
How can I identify the Elf Owl?
The Elf Owl is a member of the Owls family. Check field guides or upload a photo to our AI Bird Identifier for help.
Where can I report a Elf Owl sighting?
You can log sightings of Elf Owl on eBird (ebird.org) using species code elfowl, or on iNaturalist.