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

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

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli

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

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