The Enigma of the Owl: An Illustrated Natural History [Hardcover]

A rare invitation into the mysterious lives of owls around the world, with spectacularly revealing photographs and fascinating details

Perhaps no other creature has so compelling a gaze as the owl. Its unblinking stare mesmerizes; its nocturnal lifestyle suggests secrets and mystery. This lavishly illustrated book celebrates owls from every corner of the world and offers abundant details on fifty-three of the most striking and interesting species, from the tiny Elf Owl of southwestern American deserts to the formidable Blakiston’s Fish Owl, the largest of all owls.
 
Mike Unwin has long studied and admired these remarkable birds from cold northern forests to tropical rivers and beyond. He explains how owls evolved into the supreme feathered predators of the night, and he examines their breeding and hunting behaviors, unusual calls, and the cultural myths and superstitions that surround different species. More than two hundred dramatic color photographs in the wild, taken or selected by David Tipling, capture the wondrous beauty of each owl and the drama of life in its own home region. 

"Excellent for armchair owling, general reference and the pleasure of looking at photographs of birds that manage uncannily to look like old friends transfigured by feathers—even with mice, frogs or snakes dangling from their beaks. Written with lively, unforced erudition by nature writer Mike Unwin,The Enigma of the Owlis a beautiful book, with 200 extraordinary images of hunting, nesting, flying and perching owls."—Jonathan Rosen, Wall Street Journal

"The Enigma of the Owl, by Mike Unwin with photographs by David Tipling, explores the diversity, beauty and ecological importance of these nocturnal birds of prey."—Rachel Nuwer,New York Times

"This book is sure to delight any nature lover."—Wall Street l3o