Britannica
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How does the elf owl catch insects near flowers?
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Owl
Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus).
The premise that the elf owl catches insects near flowers is accurate. The elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi) exhibits a specialized feeding behavior to capture prey in these environments.
When hunting near blossoms, the elf owl hovers in front of the flowers. It uses its wings to scare insects into flight, subsequently catching them with its beak. This unique method allows the world's smallest owl to effectively secure food in its desert and woodland habitats.12