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From the Publisher:
Owls are enduringly popular birds, but due to their nocturnal habits most species are difficult to see well. The plumages of many species are cryptic and difficult to separate by plumage alone. This problem is compounded by the different morphs that many adopt. This book fully describes every known species and subspecies of owl, as well as presenting the latest evidence on owl taxonomy, based on DNA work and vocalisations. Because voice is vital in owl identification, much emphasis is placed on it in the book and sonograms are provided for many species.
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.
From the author:
The first (1999) edition of this book was well received and is now out of print, which has encouraged the publishers to ask us to prepare this revised and enlarged edition. The text and bibliography have been brought up to date and new color plates have been added, to reflect changes in the taxonomic literature and a number of species entirely new to science. Moreover, all 64 of the original color plates have been revised and corrected where necessary, and eight new plates added. The chapter on DNA evidence has been updated by Michael Wink and colleages.
The new edition may be used both as an identification guide and as a source of information on owl ecology and biology, especially for some of the lesser known species. It also points out where gaps in information exist. We hope to stimulate ornithologists to research these poorly known taxa and provide material for future editions. The book is a companion for all who research owls in the field; at home or in the laboratory it is a reference book for comparing observations and voice recordings.
From Buteo Books
The accompanying audio CD, originally scheduled to be published as a part of the book, and never produced
for the first edition, has again been delayed. It is expected to be available by the Fall of
2009, and we are taking advance orders for it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Claus König 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.
DETAILS:
528 pages, 9 ¾" x 7" x 1 ½", 72 color plates, black & white distribution maps. Weighs 3 lb, 2 oz.
Contact us to order this item.
Ordering information
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