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.