Professor Claus König is a world authority on owls. He has written

numerous papers on the subject and has described several new species of

owls. He retired as Director of the Natural History Museum in

Stuttgart. Friedhelm Weick is a professional bird artist with a particular interest in owls and raptors, who has

illustrated many books on birds.

Owls are enduringly popular birds, but due to their nocturnal habits

most species are difficult to see well. The plumages of many species

are cryptic and difficult to separate by plumage alone. This problem is

compounded by the different morphs that many adopt. This book fully

describes every known species and subspecies of owl, as well as

presenting the latest evidence on owl taxonomy, based on DNA work and

vocalisations. Because voice is vital in owl identification, much

emphasis is placed on it in the book and sonograms are provided for

many species. A CD of owl vocalisations will accompany the book.

'A classic work...immerse yourself in its pages '

'You will find this an excellent reference book, the most comprehensive on owls available.'

'Immerse yourself in its pages on a March evening, when spring is beckoning and local owls are starting to hoot temptingly outside the window.'

'This is, at this moment, the world's largest book of owls of the world.'

'This is exactly what we have come to expect in a Helm Identification Guide: a book that is great for beginners, like me, and experts.'

'the most comprehensive examination of owl taxa ever conducted. We thank the authors of Owls of the World for their truly significant contribution to the science and conservation of these spectacular birds.'

The definitive book on owls. Fully

describes and illustrates every known species and subspecies of owl, as well as

presenting the latest evidence on owl taxonomy, based on DNA work and

vocalisations. Includes maps of every species and sonograms.