Barn Owl Project: Books

The Atlas of Birds captures the breathtaking diversity of birds, and illuminates their conservation status around the world. Full-color maps show where birds are found, both by country and terrain, and reveal how an astounding variety of behavioral adaptations -- from flight and feeding to nest building and song -- have enabled them to thrive in virtually every habitat on Earth. Maps of individual journeys and global flyways chart the amazing phenomenon of bird migration, while bird classification is explained using maps for each order and many key families. Conservation provides a strong focus throughout, with maps illustrating where and why birds are most under threat, and what is being done to protect them. Separate sections examine key factors influencing their distribution and endangering their survival, from deforestation and climate change to invasive species and the cage-bird trade. Bird groups most affected, such as island endemics, are highlighted, while a fascinating chapter explores the complex historical relationship between birds and humans, with maps and data for everything from poultry farming to birdwatching. The maps are supported by an authoritative text that uses the very latest data and case studies from BirdLife International. Packed with sumptuous photos, original diagrams, and imaginative graphics that bring the numbers to life, this book is a stunning and timely insight into perhaps the most colorful and intriguing group of organisms on our planet"--Front flap.

Provides general information on the behavior of owls and specific information about the physical characteristics and behavior of the twenty-one North American species.

How to use this book -- Bird identification -- Habitats -- Species accounts -- Plates -- Birding -- Bird finding in Florida -- Bird study -- Attracting and feeding wild birds -- Sick, injured and orphaned birds -- Bird conservation -- Endangered and threatened species -- Bird/human problems and solutions -- Exotic species -- Resources -- Checklist -- Index to scientific names -- Index to subjects -- Illustrated index of common names.

Introduction: the owl's message -- Courtship and nest selection -- Life in the nest -- Gaining independence -- Surviving the winter -- Epilogue: the future of the owl -- Field guide to North American owl species.

"Marianne Taylor and a team of award-winning nature photographers bring together spectacular images with the most current scientific knowledge to reveal in remarkable detail the fascinating and mysterious world of owls. This book is divided into two parts. The first gives a general overview of owls and their lives, with chapters on senses and intelligence, hunting and diet, habitat, courtship and breeding, migration, conservation, and the relationship between owls and people. The second part presents detailed accounts of all the owl species found in the northern hemisphere, from the majestic Snowy Owl of the Artic tundra to the tiny Elf Owl of the American Southwest. Current research is presented on every North American species, including the common but rarely seen Northern Saw-whet Owl, the prairie-dwelling Burrowing Owl, and the more familiar Barn, Great Grey, and Long-eared owls."--Provided by publisher.

Mysterious, silent and ferocious birds of prey, owls are almost everywhere. These distinctive birds populate every continent except Antarctica and survive in everything from arid desert, to arctic tundra, to dense rain forest. From ancient mythology to Harry Potter, owls hold an enduring place in the human imagination. In some cultures they are revered; in others, feared. And for every superstition that associates owls with good fortune, a dozen more link them to death, sickness or evil. Frances Backhouse provides an in-depth yet lively study of these fascinating birds. Topics include anatomy and adaptations, mating behaviors, egg laying and chick rearing, feeding habits, communication displays and location. Superbly designed birds of prey, owls are equipped with highly effective tools for killing and dismembering their prey: strong feet with curved, stiletto-like talons and a sturdy hooked bill with razor-sharp cutting edges. What makes owls unique is that most of them hunt in darkness from dusk to dawn using their keen hearing, enhanced low-light vision and sound-muffling structures on their flight feathers. With detailed profiles of and range maps for all 23 species, along with 70 color photographs illustrating key behavioral characteristics, this book is a solid reference for birders, naturalists and general readers.
ISBN: 1554073421

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."--BOOK JACKET.

As new or revised field guides are published, they are getting too big to carry in a pocket. This one is no exception. It is larger and heavier than earlier Peterson Field Guides and combines the Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds (1992) and the Peterson Field Guide to Western Birds (1992) in a single volume. The new features include a more conversational text, online access to video podcasts, and small range maps with the plates as well as the usual range-maps section at the end. The text covers both Canada and the U.S., so it is more inclusive than many guides. When his first edition was published some 75 years ago, Peterson’s system for identifying field marks became the gold standard for birders worldwide. This updated edition has corrections to the taxonomy (name changes and specie identifications). Every effort has been made to present the most current information. Peterson’s paintings have been digitized, and 40 new paintings in his style are included where needed. The contributors who worked on this guide are well-known and respected birders, illustrators, and writers and have maintained the high standards that Peterson set. Birding field-trip leaders will want to make room in their backpacks for this guide because the large illustrations will be very useful in teaching while birding. Libraries of all types will also want this volume marking the 100th anniversary of Peterson’s birth because of its concise, accurate information and large illustrations. --Linda Scarth, Booklist