Owls - Hardcover

Taylor, Marianne

4.08

50 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0801451817 ISBN 13: 9780801451812

Publisher: Comstock Publishing Associates, 2015

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"These wonderful birds share our world so discreetly, and you could easily live out several lifetimes without ever seeing one. However, with a little insight, patience and luck, you could step into their realm and enjoy some unforgettable close encounters, whether abroad or at home. The chances are high that there are wild owls of one kind or another living not far from your own front door, and your observations could make a difference to their survival."―from the Introduction

From tiny Elf and Pygmy Owls through the familiar Tawny and Barn Owls to the giant Eagle and Fish Owls, these fierce hunters of dawn, dusk and night have long held a fascination for people around the world. This informative book, covering all owl species found in the northern hemisphere, looks closely at how owls live their lives, and how best to recognize them.

The first part of the book looks in detail at owl biology: how they live, how they breed, and how they feed. The second part includes species accounts for all 47 species of owls that occur in the northern hemisphere, with emphasis on those of Europe and North America. The book is richly illustrated with sensational, full-color photographs of these compelling birds.

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From the Back Cover:

This book is the comprehensive guide to all 225 recognized species in the world, from the ubiquitous Barn Owl to the Pernambuco Pygmy-Owl, which lives in a two-square-mile region in Brazil and was last seen in 2004. Each species is described in detail and accompanied by a distribution map and fact panel. The profiles cover the owls’ size, appearance, song, nesting habits, and habitats, as well as unusual behaviors. More than 200 full-color photographs taken by leading wildlife photographers bring out the spectacular beauty of these birds of prey. The general introduction to the book covers evolution and taxonomy, how owls hunt and camouflage themselves, and their breeding habits.

Also included here is a fold-out poster that features comparative life-size illustrations of the wingspans of a range of owls, from the smallest Elf Owl to the Barn Owl, the Northern Hawk Owl, and the largest species, the Great Gray Owl. There is also a life-size photograph of the Great Gray Owl on the inside of this jacket.

A fascination with owls resonates through human history. From ancient myth and superstition to the most popular modern children’s stories, these intriguing, beautiful birds have been cast as harbingers of doom and fortune, icons of fear and wisdom, and powerful sidekicks of magic-makers. The study of owls presents tremendous challenges—most are nocturnal, solitary creatures, and naturally elusive. New species are still being discovered, which offers fresh insights into the habits of even the most familiar species. This stunning book features all 225 owl species from around the world, illustrated with breathtaking color photographs.

About the Author:

Marianne Taylor is the author of British Birds of Prey, RSPB Where to Discover Nature, and RSPB Naturewatch.

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