Owls of the United States and Canada: A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behavior

JHU Press, Nov 30, 2007 - Nature - 242 pages

Named One of the Best Reference Books of 2007 by Library Journal

There is no group of birds more mysterious and fascinating than owls. The loudmouths of the raptor world, they peep, trill, toot, bark, growl, shriek, whistle, chittle, whoop, chuckle, boom, and buzz. Indeed, very few actually "hoot." They have become the stuff of lore and legend—from the Roman myth that an owl foot could reveal secrets to the First Nations belief that an owl feather could give a newborn better night vision. But the truth about owls is much more exciting.

In this gorgeous book, celebrated natural history writer and wildlife photographer Wayne Lynch reveals the secrets of these elusive species with stunning photographs, personal anecdotes, and accessible science. The photos alone are masterpieces. Unlike most published owl photos, which are portraits of birds in captivity, the vast majority of these were taken in the wild—a product of the author-photographer's incredible knowledge and patience.

Lynch complements the photos with a wealth of facts about anatomy, habitat, diet, and family life. For each of the nineteen species that inhabit Canada and the United States, he provides a range map and a brief discussion of its distribution, population size, and status. Lynch debunks myths about owls' "supernatural" powers of sight and hearing, discusses courtship rituals, and offers personal tips for finding owls in the wild.

From the great horned to the tiny elf owl, this amazing volume captures the beauty and mystery of these charismatic birds of prey.

Contents

• CHAPTER 1 ANATOMY OF AN OWL: 1
• Identification Guide: 25
• CHAPTER 2 SON ET LUMIÈRE: 35
• CHAPTER 3 HAUNTS AND HIDEAWAYS: 57
• CHAPTER 4 THE OWLISH APPETITE: 93
• CHAPTER 5 FAMILY LIFE: 123
• CHAPTER 6 THE NEXT GENERATION: 167
• CHAPTER 7 PREDATORS PIRATES AND PESTS: 189
• CHAPTER 8 OWLS AND HUMANS: 205
• Scientific Names of Plants and Animals: 218
• References: 218
• Index: 218

About the author

Wayne Lynch began work as a full-time science writer and photographer in 1979. Today he is the author of numerous award-winning books and television documentaries and one of Canada's best-known and most widely published photographers. His books include Wild Birds across the Prairies; Mountain Bears; A Is for Arctic; and Penguins of the World. He lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Owls of the United States and Canada: A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behavior
• Photographs by: Wayne Lynch
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: JHU Press, 2007
• ISBN: 0801886872, 9780801886874
• Length: 242 pages
• Subjects: Nature / Animals / Birds; Nature / Birdwatching Guides; Nature / General; Nature / Reference; Photography / Subjects & Themes / Plants & Animals; Religion / General; Religion / Theism; Science / Life Sciences / Biology; Science / Life Sciences / Ecology; Science / Life Sciences / Zoology / Ornithology