Owls

by Josh Gregory

Did you know there are around 200 different owl species?

With their strange faces and nocturnal habits, owls have long captured the imaginations of people around the world. Readers will discover how these feathered flyers swoop down to snatch prey in their talons, blend in with their environments, and work together to raise their young. They will also learn how some owls are different from others and how humans can help save endangered owl species from disappearing forever.

Genres: Nonfiction

48 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the front of this book is a Fact File page which shares the classification of the owls. There are more than 200 species of owls. They live throughout the globe, except for Antarctica. Owls range widely in size. The Elf Owl is the smallest owl with a wingspan of fifteen inches. Eurasian Eagle Owl is the largest owl with a wingspan of five feet. The owls distinctive flat face has both their large eyes facing forward. By comparison, the owl's beak is "usually quite small compared to the size of its face." An owls feathers are "various shades of white, brown and gray" and "form a wide range of patterns." These patterns often act as camouflage to help them blend into their habitat. The shape of the owl's head helps to direct sound into its ear holes. One ear holes is shaped differently and is higher than the other. "This unique ear structure allows them to locate exactly where a sound is coming from." Owls are carnivores. Their diet consist of insects (Elf Owl) to rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels. "Some species are even strong enough to snatch a small deer." Owls are mainly solitary and "the only time they come together is to find mates. . . . Pair bonds are often monogamous," though there are some owls who mate with other partners. A female owl can lay from one to fourteen eggs during breeding. The eggs are laid two days apart. Both partners share in keeping the eggs warm, and they share in feeding the chicks when they hatch. "After about two months, they are able to leave the nest." At three months of age, the young owls are ready to leave the nest for good. "Owls have lived on Earth for at least 65.5 million years." They live in habitats in the same places people live, such as "farms, small towns, and even big cities." There are owl species which are endangered, though "most owls are thriving in their natural habitats." At the end of the book is a glossary, a Habitat Map, a Find Out More page, an index and an About the Author section. This book is part of the Nature's Children series by Scholastic.

[Jessica Van Vleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting! Especially for my son who loves owls.

[Ad Astra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid. I learned so much and love all the real photographs.

[Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great details!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful, age appropriate book complete with fun facts and pictures about owls. Loved the glossary and additional learning resources at the end.