An essential compendium on the biology, identification, distribution and conservation of Europe's 13 species of owls.
Owls are fascinating birds, with remarkable adaptations for their lives as nocturnal hunters. Covering the 13 species of owls that occur across the continent, Owls of Europe features detailed drawings of typical positions, behaviours and facial expressions, alongside more than 300 photos selected to demonstrate age and subspecific variation, colour phases and the birds in flight.
This book includes up-to-date distribution maps and the latest European population estimates, along with detailed text on behaviour, voice, brood biology and juvenile development, life strategies, hunting techniques, choice of prey and habitat requirements for each species. It also explores human interactions with owls, from the threats posed to determined conservation efforts.
Owls of Europe is an essential book for birdwatchers, professional ornithologists and those who simply love owls.
An essential compendium on the biology, identification, distribution and conservation of Europe's 13 species of owls.Recenzijos
What a great book for all those folk who love owls. * Bird Watching * The species accounts are rich in information and illustrated wonderfully with a range of photos and sketches The images are varied and well chosen, and the authors have clearly worked hard to collate photos that ensure all different plumages and behaviours are well represented for each species, as well as welcome habitat shots. * BirdGuides * This third edition of Owls of Europe is beautifully illustrated with over 300 pictures and graphics, and detailed drawings that highlight specific behaviours the book offers many detailed insights. * Ibis *
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An essential compendium on the biology, identification, distribution and conservation of Europe's 13 species of owls.
Features and species
Shared characters
Species diversity and evolution
Adaptations of owls
Highly specialised sense organs
Communication signals
Owl behaviour
Rest, body maintenance, and movement
Hunting
Avoidance of predators and disturbance
Intra- and inter-specific relationships
Display and courtship
Reproduction and brood care
Nestling period and juvenile development
Life strategies of owls
Activity pattern
Choice of prey
Mating systems and reproductive strategies
Habitat requirements
Important habitat parameters
Site selection
Natural and cultivated landscapes as owl habitats
Unnatural risk factors
Protection and conservation
Owls victims of superstition
Anthropocentric owl protection
Species protection a global obligation
Ensuring habitat quality
The species
Barn Owl Tyto alba
Eagle Owl Bubo bubo
Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus
Great Grey Owl Strix nebulosa
Ural Owl Strix uralensis
Tawny Owl Strix aluco
Long-eared Owl Asio otus
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Scops Owl Otus scops
Hawk Owl Surnia ulula
Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum
Little Owl Athene noctua
Tengmalms Owl Aegolius funereus
Determining characteristics of European owls
Addresses
Sources of population estimates
Further reading
About the authors
About the translator
Index
Wolfgang Scherzinger is an Austrian ornithologist with a particular expertise in owls. His research focused on the Bavarian Forest National Park where he worked as a zoologist. He has been significantly involved in the forest's protection since 1971, and was involved in the reintroduction of both Eagle Owl and Ural Owl to the forest.
The late Theodor Mebs was a German ornithologist and author, who spent his career researching the biology of birds of prey.
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