Spanish names: lechuza mono, lechuza común (Barn Owl), tecolotito chillon Nocturnal insects are scarce in cold weather, so most Elf Owls retreat south into Mexico for the winter other desert owls are present year-round.īurrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) Ferruginous Pygmy-owl The world's smallest owl, the Elf Owl, nests in holes in saguaro cacti and ventures out at night to eat beetles and moths. The Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, a tropical species that reaches its northern limit here, may hunt most at dawn and dusk, often catching songbirds. Barn Owls specialize on rodents and the smaller desert owls also tend to take small prey. Great Horned Owls eat almost anything smaller than themselves from rabbits and skunks to snakes and insects. Great Horned Owls are found throughout the Americas and Barn Owls practically throughout the world, so it is no surprise that they can adapt to desert life. Many of the creatures that they hunt also have excellent hearing, but the owls can approach them in silence the sound of their wing beats is muffled by the softened edges of the larger wing feathers. Studies have shown that Barn Owls can locate their prey by sound alone, in total darkness, with pinpoint accuracy. Even more impressive is their sense of hearing. They cannot see in total darkness - no animal can do that - but their eyes are adapted for vision under very low light conditions. Owls are superbly equipped to hunt at night. Of course, most birds shun this night shift, but several species of owl are notable exceptions.
Especially in summer, there are probably more creatures abroad at midnight than at noon. The Sonoran Desert at night is a very lively place.
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