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Cover image of Owls of the United States and Canada
Cover image of Owls of the United States and Canada
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Owls of the United States and Canada

A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behavior

Wayne Lynch

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Named One of the Best Reference Books of 2007 by Library Journal
2008 Outstanding Academic Title, Choice Magazine

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...

Named One of the Best Reference Books of 2007 by Library Journal
2008 Outstanding Academic Title, Choice Magazine

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.

Reviews

Reviews

Beautiful, readable, and affordable. So if you plan to give it as a gift, I suggest you buy a copy for yourself as well.

This is a gorgeous book from celebrated natural history writer and wildlife photographer Wayne Lynch.

This is, in short, far and away the best owl book this reviewer has seen designed especially for general audiences. The writing is clear, concise, scientifically accurate, and totally readable.

This is a must have book for anyone interested in owls.

This beautifully illustrated book contains a wealth of fascinating information... Will be much appreciated by birders, naturalists, and anyone with an interest in owls.

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About

Book Details

Publication Date
Status
Available
Trim Size
9
x
11
Pages
264
ISBN
9780801886874
Illustration Description
188 color photos, 19 maps
Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction: Owl Addiction
1. Anatomy of an Owl
Paleocene Origins
WMDs: Weapons of Mouse Destruction
On Wings That Whisper
Colors that Disguise
Fretting with Feathers
2. Son et Lumiere
Sound

Acknowledgments
Introduction: Owl Addiction
1. Anatomy of an Owl
Paleocene Origins
WMDs: Weapons of Mouse Destruction
On Wings That Whisper
Colors that Disguise
Fretting with Feathers
2. Son et Lumiere
Sound Advice
The Handicap of Darkness
The Eyes of Owls
The Nocturnal Syndrome
3. Haunts and Hideaways
From Tundra and Taiga to Mountains and Marshlands
Floaters
Hot and Cold Weather Woes
Roost Rewards
Fleeing from Winter
4. Owl Invasions
The Owlish Appetite
Foods That Fight Back
Pellet Diaries
Hunting Techniques
Hoarding for Hard Times
5. Family Life
Who Gives a Hoot?
Courtship Conduct
House Hunting
The Cloacal Kiss
Oology 101
The Tedium of Incubation
Sexual Dimorphism: The Great Debate
6. The Next Generation
Early Chick Life
Asynchronous Hatching: A Strategy
Life in the Nest
Roamers, Branchers, and Homebodies
The Young and the Restless
7. Predators, Pirates, and Pests
Kleptoparasitism
A Call to Arms
8. Owls and Humans
HIPPO
Appendix: Scientific Names of Plants and Animals
References
Index

Author Bio
Wayne Lynch
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Wayne Lynch

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.
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