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 legendfrom 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 this 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 wilda 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.''A complete and passionate labor of love. It is essential reading for those who are fascinated by owlsand those who aren't yet but are now at risk of becoming so.''Bernd Heinrich, author of Mind of the Raven''Lynch is among a select group of North America's very best natural history writers and photographers. In Owls of the United States and Canada he showcases both of these talents and reveals a wealth of knowledge about owl biology. Anyone interested in these fascinating birds will treasure this book for years to come.''Brian E. Small, Birding Magazine
AcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Owl Addiction1. Anatomy of an OwlPaleocene OriginsWMDs: Weapons of Mouse DestructionOn Wings That WhisperColors that DisguiseFretting with Feathers2. Son et LumiereSound AdviceThe Handicap of DarknessThe Eyes of OwlsThe Nocturnal Syndrome3. Haunts and HideawaysFrom Tundra and Taiga to Mountains and MarshlandsFloatersHot and Cold Weather WoesRoost RewardsFleeing from Winter4. Owl InvasionsThe Owlish AppetiteFoods That Fight BackPellet DiariesHunting TechniquesHoarding for Hard Times5. Family LifeWho Gives a Hoot?Courtship ConductHouse HuntingThe Cloacal KissOology 101The Tedium of IncubationSexual Dimorphism: The Great Debate6. The Next GenerationEarly Chick LifeAsynchronous Hatching: A StrategyLife in the NestRoamers, Branchers, and HomebodiesThe Young and the Restless7. Predators, Pirates, and PestsKleptoparasitismA Call to Arms8. Owls and HumansHIPPOAppendix: Scientific Names of Plants and AnimalsReferencesIndex
""Overall this book is a pleasure to read whether you're a diehard owl enthusiast or a casual admirer. You'll find yourself wanting to leave this book somewhere conspicuous, so you can show the images off to friends, family, and unwary passersby.""
