The smallest bird of prey in the world is the elf owl (Micrathene Whitneyi).
Measuring just about 5 to 6 inches in length and weighing around 1.5 ounces, the elf owl is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Despite its tiny size, it is a formidable predator, primarily feeding on insects and small vertebrates.
The elf owl’s size allows it to thrive in desert environments, where it nests in tree cavities and uses its keen eyesight and silent flight to hunt at night. Its classification as a bird of prey comes from its ability to hunt and kill its own food, which it does effectively despite its diminutive stature. This adaptability and skill make the elf owl a fascinating example of how diverse and specialized birds of prey can be, even at the smallest end of the spectrum.