OWLS

In a little less depth--especially on the workings of the eyes and ears--than Lavine's unexceptional Wonders of the Owl World (KR, 1971), the authors describe the binocular and night vision, remarkable hearing, silent flight and grasping talons that make the owl a formidable predator. Also mentioned are the owl's habits of coughing up pellets, establishing territories, communicating by hoots and screeches, courting rites (sexual recognition being the first and not inconsiderable problem to be overcome, natural distrust another), nest building (or appropriating), reproduction, competition for survival (the youngest in a brood might even be eaten by his older siblings), and self-defense (with the questionable statement that it's these ruses which have earned owls their reputation for wisdom). The last pages detail peculiarities of several different kinds of owls.