Owls of the World: Their Lives, Behavior and Survival [Hardcover]

James R. Duncan Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 6, 2003

An in-depth reference to owls around the world.

Owls of the World traces the remarkable evolution of 205 owl species and their place within the avian order as both predators and prey. Major owl species are covered as well as the lesser-known species only be found in more remote geographic locations. The owls of Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia are compared with North American, European, and Asian species in terms of habitat, adaptability and physical appearance.

This abundantly illustrated reference features:

• Detailed description, history, habitat, range maps and conservation status for 205 species
• Common and scientific names
• Commonly known owl behavior, plus recently discovered mating, hunting and survival techniques
• The nature of owls including the discovery of a new owl species
• Owls in mythology and culture
• Threats to owl populations
• A world directory of owl species, including taxonomy and a range map for each species

(200404)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Owls are among the most popular birds in the world, yet what do we really know about these nocturnal predators? Owl expert Duncan and numerous contributors marshal what has been learned about owls in an extremely accessible yet scientific work. General biology, including anatomy, behavior, nesting, and hunting, is well covered in an introductory chapter. Owls are popular figures in the mythologies of many cultures, examined in a chapter that ranges from Shakespeare through Hindu goddesses to the Owl Nebula. Another chapter is full of interesting anecdotes from the research. Sections on global threats to owl populations and their conservation lead to the final long chapter, a summary of the 205 owl species of the world. Each species is described and illustrated with a color photo, with its range indicated on a map, and a compendium of its natural history and conservation status. Many of the numerous color photographs are breathtakingly beautiful, and the extensive bibliography will lead to further research. This introduction to owl biology will be a welcome addition for all libraries. Nancy Bent
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

The beautiful and well-written book contains a great deal of meticulously research information about owls... a pleasure to read. (Robert Warnock Blue Jay 200312)

The author of this richly illustrated book pays particular attention to the way different cultures perceive the owl. (Princeton Times of Trenton 20031207)

Fresh, informative approach that powerfully communicates the magic of birds that are so poorly known that new species surface regularly. (David Lukas Los Angeles Times 20040106)

A fascinating portrait of 205 species of owl... explores myth and legends... intriguing facts are brought to light. (Suzanne Hively Cleveland Plain Dealer 20031126)

I highly recommend Owls of the World to anyone from beginning birders to professional ornithologists. (James W. Kessler Science Books and Films 200406)

Owls of the World is encyclopedic and a thorough, lively from-the-field reference. (BirdTimes 200406)

Lavishly illustrated survey will be an eyeopener. (Globe and Mail 20031122)

[Duncan's] knowledge of and concern for these birds are evident in his book. (Jim Williams Minneapolis Star Tribune 20031215)

Excellent color photographs... an informative book suitable for owl enthusiasts, birders, naturalists and public and academic libraries. (International Hawkwatcher 20031201)

Extremely accessible yet scientific work... Many of the numerous color photographs are breathtakingly beautiful. (Nancy Bent Booklist / RBB )

A photographic masterpiece... the photography is captivating in the extreme... affordable, immensely readable and highly recommended. (Lynn Westney E-Streams )

One of the most under-studied creatures; this title goes a long way towards compensating for that dearth of information. (Publishers Weekly )

Copious color photographs effectively illustrate concepts and enhance the book's visual appeal... a valuable addition to any natural history collection. (Catherine Jeanjean Library Journal )

Filled with spectacular photographs... extensive information on behavior and ecology. (T.C. WIlliams Choice )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (September 6, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552978451
• ISBN-13: 978-1552978450
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #948,513 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A species-by-species portrait of some 200 owl species, January 9, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Owls of the World: Their Lives, Behavior and Survival (Hardcover)

Dr. James Duncan's Owls Of The World provides a comprehensive species-by-species portrait of some 200 owl species around the world. The inclusion of many lesser-known species located in smaller, more specific geographic locations contrasts nicely with feature of the more popular species, making for a well-rounded natural history of the evolution of owls throughout the world.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Nice Book, April 29, 2008

By 

Matthew J. Barnard (Chappaqua, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Owls of the World: Their Lives, Behavior and Survival (Hardcover)

I really like this book: It's easy to read and understand, has great photos, and a very large and detailed list of owls, including many of the more rare and lesser known species. Additionally, I found the section on the mythology of owls to be qutie interesting. As far as owl books go, I think Claus Konig's "Owls: A Guide to the Owls of the World" is pretty much the "bible" but this is definitely a good book for any owl lover.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Owls of the World: Their Lives, Behavior and Survival, May 22, 2008

By 

Ms. Elizabeth Gee "Erin Phillips" (Sydney, nsw, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Owls of the World: Their Lives, Behavior and Survival (Hardcover)

this book is very informative it gives information on all owls, their behaviours, their habitats, reproduction and eating habits. it had beautiful photos and detailed diagrams with labels for everything. i enjoyed reading this book very much i give it 4 out of 5 stars.