Owls: A Wildlife Handbook

Some of the best-known birds of North America, owls are heard more often then seen. Throughout history, their eerie nighttime hoots have generated myth and superstition as well as fear. But beyond their supernatural symbolism, owls perform a more practical role in nature. Silent stalkers of the night, owls are efficient, deadly predators, at the top of the food chain and a major balancing factor in the population cycles of many small rodents.

The newest title in the Johnson Nature Series, Owls is a unique and practical guide to these nocturnal creatures, providing an illustrated presentation of their behavior, biology, and individual characteristics. A practical resource for both the backyard and the field, this concise handbook presents an accurate, informative portrait of owls in their natural habitat, as well as an examination of the relationship between owls and humans, including the threat posed to owls by the destruction of their habitat.

Topics covered include full-color identification of all nineteen species that breed in North America, anatomy, favorite foods, reproduction, molting, feather structure, owl calls, the production of owl pellets, hunting methods, preferred habitats, natural range, and owls' superior capabilities in hearing and night vision.

A unique cultural history of owls is also presented, including the mythology and veneration that these winged creatures have generated from pre-biblical societies to the present. Special emphasis is placed on the role of owls in native cultures of North America and, in modern times, the exploitation of owls for their feathers. Owls will appeal to both advanced and beginning birders, as well as educators, students, andwildlife lovers.