Understanding Owls: Biology, Management, Breeding, Training

by Jemima Parry-Jones

With their glowing, unblinking eyes they seem to notice everything -- and to have the wisdom to understand it all, too. From biology and taxonomy, to housing, feeding, incubation, and rearing to training and flying, a master breeder and trainer of owls shares her extensive knowledge of these nighttime creatures -- both in the wild and in captivity. A general overview covers their anatomy, and a morphology details the various subfamilies of owl. Find out about the role their specially adapted -- and extremely beautiful feathers -- play in aiding their "silent flight"; the incredible variety of noises they make (and how these can help you identify a breed); the intricacies of their behavior patterns; and the way the babies are hatched, fed, and nurtured. Here's what you need for those first attempts at breeding and to train and hunt with your birds of prey. Dozens of remarkable full-color photos provide a close-up look at barn owls, Eagle owls, tawny owls, and snowy owls.

Genres: Birds

160 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1998

About the author

Jemima Parry-Jones (born 6 March 1949) is a British authority on birds of prey (raptors), a conservationist, author, raptor breeder, lecturer, consultant, and is the Director of the International Centre for Birds of Prey. In June 1999, she was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday honours list for services to bird conservation.

Reviews

[chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

interesting book. I'm not a fan of keeping wildlife in captivity (unless they're unable to fend for themselves out in the wild due to injury/spent life in captivity, etc.).
the book is thorough in some ways and lacking in others. I was more interested in specifics of owls in their natural habitat, which this book had some information on but not enough to impress me.

[Stacey Brook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any one considering falconry with owls

Found all of this woman's writing down to earth honest and human great work Gemma thank you for your work

[Laura McChristian · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Things Owl

Good overall information about all things owl. I love them, but wouldn't want one as a pet. If someone does though, this is a good place to start

[Mya · Rating 3 out of 5]

An informative book if you want to breed and keep lots of owls, otherwise it is quite boring. Well I say book but it's not really something you read for leasure, it's more like a manual. I don't actually feel like I learned more about owls and their behavior so I don't like it much.