<p><i>Mysterious, silent and ferocious birds of prey.</i></p><p>Owls are almost everywhere. These distinctive birds populate every continent except Antarctica and survive in everything from arid desert, to arctic tundra, to dense rain forest.</p><p>From ancient mythology to <i>Harry Potter</i>, owls hold an enduring place in the human imagination. In some cultures they are revered; in others, feared. And for every superstition that associates owls with good fortune, a dozen more link them to death, sickness or evil.</p><p>Frances Backhouse provides an in-depth yet lively study of these fascinating birds. Topics include anatomy and adaptations, mating behaviors, egg laying and chick rearing, feeding habits, communication displays and location.</p><p>Superbly designed birds of prey, owls are equipped with highly effective tools for killing and dismembering their prey: strong feet with curved, stiletto-like talons and a sturdy hooked bill with razor-sharp cutting edges. What makes owls unique is that most of them hunt in darkness from dusk to dawn using their keen hearing, enhanced low-light vision and sound-muffling structures on their flight feathers.</p><p>With detailed profiles of and range maps for all 23 species, along with 70 color photographs illustrating key behavioral characteristics, <b>Owls of North America</b> is a solid reference for birders, naturalists and general readers.</p>