Home › Animals › The Enigma of the Owl: An Illustrated Natural History

The Enigma of the Owl: An Illustrated Natural History

by Mike Unwin

A global portrait of owls in nature and culture

Regular price $30.09 USD
Regular price $50.15 USD Sale price $30.09 USD
Save 40%

Hardcover New English

Delivery to your door
In stock·Dispatches in 1–2 business days
Standard shipping* from $4.35
Standard shipping transit* 5–8 business days after dispatch

Faster options are available.

Rates and delivery estimates depend on your destination and item quantity. Estimates are informational only; the final shipping method and rate are selected at checkout.

Secure checkout
American Express Apple Pay DiscoverGoogle Pay Mastercard PayPalVisa
30-day eligible returns Returns & refunds policy

Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    Praise from the Wall Street Journal

    The Wall Street Journal says the book is sure to delight nature lovers.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A global portrait of owls in nature and culture

Mike Unwin’s illustrated natural history surveys fifty-three owl species from varied habitats, including southwestern American deserts, northern forests, and tropical rivers. It pairs species-focused detail with a broader account of owl evolution and nocturnal predation, covering breeding, hunting, vocalizations, and the myths and superstitions attached to these birds in different cultures. More than two hundred color photographs, taken or selected by David Tipling, place the species in their home regions. The book’s scope moves beyond identification alone, connecting owl biology and behavior with the long-standing human fascination surrounding their watchful, night-active lives.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Birdwatchers interested in owl species from around the world
  • Nature readers who enjoy illustrated animal reference books
  • Readers interested in the cultural folklore associated with birds

Themes

Owl diversityBird behaviorNocturnal adaptationWildlife photographyFolklore and superstition

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A rare invitation into the mysterious lives of owls around the world, with spectacularly revealing photographs and fascinating details

"This book is sure to delight any nature lover."--Wall Street Journal

"Thank you, David Tipling, for the sumptuous, endearing and terrifying photographs of these uncanny creatures. . . . And Mike Unwin's authoritative descriptions of the owl way of life are fascinating."--Dominique Browning, New York Times Book Review

Perhaps no other creature has so compelling a gaze as the owl. Its unblinking stare mesmerizes; its nocturnal lifestyle suggests secrets and mystery. This lavishly illustrated book celebrates owls from every corner of the world and offers abundant details on fifty-three of the most striking and interesting species, from the tiny Elf Owl of southwestern American deserts to the formidable Blakiston's Fish Owl, the largest of all owls.

Mike Unwin has long studied and admired these remarkable birds from cold northern forests to tropical rivers and beyond. He explains how owls evolved into the supreme feathered predators of the night, and he examines their breeding and hunting behaviors, unusual calls, and the cultural myths and superstitions that surround different species. More than two hundred dramatic color photographs in the wild, taken or selected by David Tipling, capture the wondrous beauty of each owl and the drama of life in its own home region.
Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews