Endangered Beauty . . . Elf Owl

The world's smallest owl, the Elf Owl is the size of a sparrow with a 9-inch wingspan. Found in both riparian and arid habitats of Southwestern U.S. and Central Mexico, Elf Owls inhabit tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes and saguaro cactus. Identified by its poodle-like yapping song, Elf Owls feed on invertebrates such as moths, crickets and scorpions. When threatened, Elf Owls play dead until danger has passed. Elf Owls live three to six years.

See nesting Arizonan Elf Owl and two owlets:
http://youtu.be/FHcXI7abj8o

Endangered Beauty . . . Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owls were once widespread over western North America.  Populations have declined and in some cases disappeared due to the changes that humans have made to the owl's habitat. Federally listed as endangered or threatened in a number of states, they're considered a Species of Special Concern in California. Seventy to 80 percent of Burrowing Owls found in California reside year-round along irrigation canals in Imperial County.

The Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society works to reverse the trend in their area:
Saving Burrowing Owls:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z92FIFxO4cE

A Burrowing Owl family in action: 

http://m.youtube.com/watchv=4icW2RQEqSg&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D4icW2RQEqSg

Endangered Beauty . . . Wood Thrush

Wood Thrush populations have seen a continent-wide decline by almost 2% per year from 1966 to 2009 due to forest fragmentation and destruction.

Wood Thrushes will nest in suburban areas but breeding success is reduced by cowbird parasitism and nest predation from jays, crows, raccoons and domestic cats. Tropical deforestation has reduced wintering habitat, although shade-grown coffee provides a welcome winter environment.

The Wood Thrush has a haunting, flute-like song:

http://youtu.be/f-22ZuQyAJ4