Birds of North America
Puzzle 40 · Desert and Canyon Country · Page 60 in print
Elf Owl
An Elf Owl may use its feet and bill to remove troublesome parts from prey, including a scorpion’s stinger, before eating it.
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The words
Acute Hearing
Sensitive hearing helps locate small prey.
Agave
Flower stalks of this plant may hold nesting cavities.
Anacua
A tree associated with Rio Grande riparian habitat.
Katydids
Insect prey included in the diet.
Lacewings
Delicate-winged insects eaten by the bird.
Mantids
Predatory insects that are eaten by Elf Owls.
Night Flight
The species migrates in darkness.
Ocotillo
A desert plant associated with suitable habitat.
Sphinx Moths
Large moths that may have unwanted parts removed before eating.
Stick Insects
Camouflaged insects that can become owl prey.
Stingers
Defensive parts removed from some prey before swallowing.
Texas Ebony
A tree of riparian habitat occupied along the Rio Grande.
Thorn Forest
Brushy habitat used in southern Texas.
Vinegaroons
Whip scorpions included among the owl’s arthropod prey.
Yapping Call
A male’s territorial vocalization near nest holes.
Sources
- Elf Owl: Life HistoryCornell Lab of Ornithology