Review by Choice Review
The title removes most of this book's mystery before one opens the front cover. It is about owls. Although readers might expect a typical coffee-table book, this reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the contents that, while not as detailed as one of Arthur Bent's volumes (Life Histories ...), present intriguing glimpses into the lives of these birds. Taylor (British Birds of Prey, 2010) has divided the text into two unequal sections. The first presents general biology, particularly focusing on what makes an owl an owl, owls' sensory system, how they hunt, where they live, their breeding behavior, and their development. The author also discusses conservation and the relationship people have with owls, including mythology and depiction in popular literature. Individual species accounts, covering all 42 types occurring in North America and northern Eurasia, make up most of the text. These accounts contain far more detailed information about each species than what is provided in a field guide and include at least one photograph of each species. The photography is absolutely stunning, and portraits or action photos adorn every page. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic, general, and professional readers. P. K. Lago University of Mississippi
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
This attractive book details 41 species of owls, with color photographs and essays ranging from one to two pages. The first nine chapters (including What Makes an Owl?, From Egg to Adult, and Owls of the World ) cover the biology, diversity, and way of life of owls in an easy-to-read manner. Libraries needing more detail will be better suited with Owls of the World: A Photographic Guide (2012), but those needing a secondary resource or more introductory material on these birds will be well served by this work. For most libraries.--Vnuk, Rebecca Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Mikkola's (Owls of Europe) superb reference title covers perennially popular owls. Excellent color photographs capture the charm and allure of these elusive, mysterious birds. Much more than a photographic guide, the book features authoritative and extensive text that aids with identification and discusses food, hunting, calls, status, distribution, alternative names, habitat, geographic variation, and similar species. Offering attractive range maps and an astounding 739 high-quality color photographs for all but 10 of 249 species, Mikkola's landmark title is not overpriced. The maps are good but would be improved if some political boundaries were shown. Claus Konig's Owls: A Guide to Owls of the World is also excellent, shows political boundaries, and has a much more extensive bibliography, but the paintings, although good enough, have a washed out, unsatisfying aspect. Mikkola's introduction covers owls' general biology and shared qualities in detail, with a glossary, and is a fine resource in its own right. VERDICT Attractive, complete, and handy, this book is most highly recommended for all but the smallest academic and public libraries.-Sally Bickley, William F. White, Jr. Lib., Del Mar Coll., Corpus Christi, TX (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
