The diminutive Elf Owl only measures five and a half inches at maturity. The Elf Owl has a grayish-brown plumage that is flecked with white on their bellies. Their faces have a more cinnamon tone and they have buff or cinnamon spotting on their foreheads as well. Similar spotting is also seen on their wings. For their size, Elf Owls have relatively long wings. Their backside plumage is brown, but it can range in its shades from orange to rust. They have round faces with pale yellow eyes. Their eyes are accentuated by the presence of small white marks that resemble eyebrows. Their beaks are gray overall, but the tip is lighter, often horn colored.
