The superlative identification guide to 268 species of owl, now in paperback. Praise for the first edition: "A native of Finland, the author is the world's best-known owl expert, having visited the birds in 128 countries over the past 40 years. Here he describes all of the world's 249 species of owls in copious detail with tips on identification, habitat, calls, and status and distribution. The text is enhanced by 750 color photographs from leading wildlife photographers. A spectacular book." --Library Journal, Best Reference 2012 "Owl enthusiasts will recognize Owls of the World as an important new reference work written by a world authority. Highly recommended." --Wildlife Afield Journal, Biodiversity Centre for Wildlife Studies "[An] important book. Recommended for most libraries -- good value and quality for the price." --Booklist Owls of the World , second edition, is the ultimate photographic resource dedicated to the identification of these charismatic birds of prey. It is packed with spectacular photography of 268 species of owls from all over the world, including extinct species. Many of the images are of highly elusive species very rarely caught on camera. The photos are accompanied by authoritative text describing: Identification notes - Habitat - Population status - Voice - Food - Distribution - Accurate range maps - Similar species. The photographic coverage includes plumages and subspecies which promotes differentiation between species, making this the definitive work on owl identification. Similar-looking ("confusion") species are included and owls are shown as adults from a perspective which clearly shows markings that assist in identification. For birders, naturalists, wildlife photographers, researchers and any fan of the Order Strigiformes, Owls of the World is the definitive work on species identification as well as a comprehensive encyclopedia for reference and pleasure. [Review of previous edition] A masterfully comprehensive reference... No birder with an interest in owls should be without this volume in their birding library. -- Melissa Mayntz ― About.com Published On: 2012-12-01 [Review of previous edition] [An] important book. Recommended for most libraries -- good value and quality for the price. -- Linda Scarth ― Booklist Published On: 2012-10-15 [Review of previous edition] One of the most comprehensive and beautifully photographed guides about owls I have ever seen.... Heimo Mikkola has obviously done extensive research to put together such a complete reference work of birds belonging to the order Strigiformes.... Don't be put off by its size. I believe this book can be of interest to both hardcore owl enthusiasts and to those who just want to look at beautiful pictures. More than enough information is included to satisfy a person's deep curiosity. And it works equally well for the person who wants to randomly dip into its pages, enjoying a more serendipitous journey through the world of snowy, screech, spotted, pygmy and horned owls. So, two hoots up for this excellent book! -- Jan Johnston ― Clark County Columbian Published On: 2012-12-30 [Review of previous edition] A must-have for serious birders... but it will repay the attention of anyone who wonders what makes owls tick. ― Globe and Mail, Christmas 2012 Gift Book List Published On: 2012-12-08 [Review of previous edition] A native of Finland, the author is the world's best-known owl expert, having visited the birds in 128 countries over the past 40 years. Here he describes all of the world's 249 species of owls in copious detail with tips on identification, habitat, calls, and status and distribution. The text is enhanced by 750 color photographs from leading wildlife photographers. A spectacular book. -- Brian E. Coutts and Cheryl LaGuardia ― Library Journal, Best Reference of 2012 Published On: 2013-03-28 [Review of previous edition] Stunning in detail and scope... an excellent resource. -- Paul Nicholson ― London Free Press Published On: 2012-12-01 [Review of previous edition] The incredible variety of owls is beautifully portrayed in this fascinating collection. -- Debbie Caldwell ― North Shore News Published On: 2012-10-17 [Review of previous edition] Birders will find the collection of photographs, especially of the rare species, very useful! -- Ian Paulsen ― The Guardian Published On: 2012-08-19 [Review of previous edition] Descriptions include detailed range maps, tips for identification and related species, and a brief overview of the ecology of each species. The highlights of Owls of the World are the stunning photographs used to illustrate each species as well as the introductory section. The book will be a valued addition as a reference for bird enthusiasts and libraries. -- John McCarty ― University of Nebraska Science Books and Film Published On: 2013-05-01 [Review of previous edition] Owl enthusiasts will recognize Owls of the World as an imp