elf owl

American  

noun

1. a small, insectivorous owl, Micrathene whitneyi, of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

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Etymology

Origin of elf owl

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, she suggested I head across the street at sunset to see the elf owl that burrows in a utility pole there.

From New York Times • Jun. 15, 2021

They range from the two-ounce elf owl, found in the American Southwest, to Blakiston’s fish owl, a Japanese bird that weights up to 10 pounds.

From New York Times • May 23, 2011

She was the faintest scent of a cactus flower, the flitting shadow of an elf owl.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli

As Archie spoke, he looked up toward the elf owl hole.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli

Once, incredibly, an elf owl landed atop a saguaro not ten feet from where she was speaking.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli