North American Owls, 2nd Edition [Hardcover]

Paul Johnsgard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 2002

Paul Johnsgard has completely updated his highly praised 1988 edition of North American Owls, and by adding twelve species of Mexican owls he now covers the entire continent of North America. With detailed accounts of the nineteen owl species that breed north of Mexico, this comprehensive natural history includes thorough explanations of evolutionary relationships, ecology and distribution, anatomy and physiology, and reproductive biology.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Owls (order Strigiformes ) are a distinctive group of birds adapted for nocturnal predation by highly developed eyes and ears, soft plumage that allows virtually silent flight, and powerful taloned feet. (While owls do also have proportionately large brains, their reputation for wisdom is only a myth.) Johnsgard's study of the owls of the United States and Canada is divided into two parts: a general review of owl systematics, ecology, morphology, physiology, behavior, reproduction, and folklore; and detailed natural histories of the 19 species. Mainly a synthesis of the literature (there is a 476-item bibliography), this book will serve both professional and serious amateur ornithologists. Paul B. Cors, Univ. of Wyoming Lib., Laramie
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“I would have to consider this one ‘a must.’”—Birding

“The most thorough survey of the latest scholarly research on owls in North America.”—New York Review of Books

“Of the numerous books on North American owls, this is certainly the best and most comprehensive.”—The Wilson Bulletin

“Johnsgard's book will make fine reading for anyone interested in owls. . . . Of exceptional value are the detailed range maps that allow instant comprehension of species distribution.”—Audobon Naturalist News

“A useful, well-produced book which will be of great use to any owl enthusiast. . . . This will surely remain a standard work for many years to come.”—Natural History Book Reviews

“One of the foremost reference books about owls. It includes range maps with each species account, as well as a comprehensive overview of the comparative biology of North American owls.”—Wildbird

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 298 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian Books; 2 Sub edition (September 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560989394
• ISBN-13: 978-1560989394
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 1.2 x 10.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,124,118 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful source for information on the Natural History of Owls, March 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: North American Owls: Biology and Natural History (Paperback)

I have many books on owls, and this is one of the most comprehesive books that I have seen on the natural history of owls. There are good drawings and photographs in the first 15 pages of the book. The classification and evolution section was of great interest to me and very useful. The natural histories of each species is very in-depth and thorough. There is also a glossary, which is very helpful in defining words which you may not know. Overall, the book is excellent, and I would highly recommend it to the beginner, novice, or expert birder.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you wanted to know about N.Amer. owls is here., May 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: North American Owls: Biology and Natural History (Paperback)

This book is a fantastic reference book pertaining to the appearance, mating behaviors, habitat and range, nesting patterns, and favorite foods of North American Owls. The color pictures are so much better than any black and white drawing could hope to achieve. The individual discriptions are well organized under sub-topics for quick reference.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, August 24, 2006

By 

Paul Bridges (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: North American Owls: Biology and Natural History (Paperback)

Although it might seem dated, the information in this book is extraordinarily complete, with detailed descriptions of anatomy, behavior, and chapters devoted to specific species. You might consider a book like "Owls: The Silent Fliers" just for it's excellent photographs, but if you want detailed information, P. Johnsgard's book is unmatched. Note also, although it's fine photographs may be moderate in number, the technical illustrations far exceed all other books I've seen on owls.