Owls of the World - Hardcover

Koenig, Claus; Weick, Friedhelm; Becking, Jan-Hendrik

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300142277 ISBN 13: 9780300142273

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2009

Synopsis

Active only at twilight or in the dark of night, most species of owl are seldom seen. Even the most zealous birders rarely encounter owls, and attempts to identify them are complicated by the number of species that are almost indistinguishable by plumage alone. This comprehensive guide (a thoroughly updated edition of the authors' previous volume, Owls: A Guide to Owls of the World), penetrates the mysterious world of owls with full color illustrations, detailed species descriptions, useful information on vocalizations, and much more. An important reference book as well as identification guide, Owls of the World encompasses the 250 known species and many subspecies of owl, including twelve new species that have been discovered over the last decade. Michael Wink, et al. contribute a new section on molecular evolution. The book features sixty-eight full-color plates depicting every species and distinct subspecies, color morphs, and juvenile plumages. Current distribution maps are also provided. All the facts on: * Identification features, including how to distinguish similar species * Habitat * Geographical variation * Food, breeding, and habits * Species status and conservation efforts * The latest owl taxonomy, based on DNA analysis and vocalizations Every ornithologist, birder, and wildlife enthusiast will want to own this essential guide-the most comprehensive and advanced book ever published on owls.

About this title

Review:

A classic work...immerse yourself in its pages '', --BBC Wildlife (March 2009)

''You will find this an excellent reference book, the most comprehensive on owls available.'', --British Birds (May 2009)

'Immerse yourself in its pages on a March evening, when spring is beckoning and local owls are starting to hoot temptingly outside the window.'', BBC Wildlife (March 2009) ''This is, at this moment, the world's largest book of owls of the world.'', Kaulbrief (September 2009) ''This is exactly what we have come to expect in a Helm Identification Guide: a book that is great for beginners, like me, and experts.'', Peregrine (Spring 2009) ''the most comprehensive examination of owl taxa ever conducted. We thank the authors of Owls of the World for their truly significant contribution to the science and conservation of these spectacular birds.'', --Bulletin of the British Ornothologists Club (2010)

About the Author:

Claus Koenig is a world authority on owls and has been involved in owl research in Europe, Africa, and South America for forty-five years. He is emeritus professor of zoology at Stuttgart University and was director of Stuttgart's Museum of Natural History. Friedhelm Weick is a professional bird artist specializing in owls and other birds of prey. He has illustrated more than 100 books.

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0300142277
• ISBN 13: 9780300142273
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 528