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The Owl: A Biography
From the renowned naturalist Stephen Moss, bestselling author of The Robin , The Wren and The Swan comes a new instalment in his beloved bird biography series.
Uncover the secret life of owls through this beautiful guide to these secretive and charismatic birds.
Owls are among the most mysterious birds in the world. Their hauntingly beautiful calls and mostly nocturnal habits have long captured our collective imagination, inspiring more superstitions, folktales and myths than any other group of birds. Seven species of owl - the tawny, little, barn, long-eared, short-eared, snowy and eagle owl - can be found in the British Isles (out of sixteen different kinds across Europe). They have lived alongside people for thousands of years, yet we still know so little about their day-to-day lives.
Discover their fascinating lives, from the moment they first hatch, to the way they hunt their prey and how they raise the next generation. Explore the rich folklore they've inspired around the world and learn how, with a bit of luck, you can catch a glimpse of them yourself.
With beautiful illustrations throughout, and expert birdwatching tips, this eye-opening biography reveals the hidden secrets of one of the world's most famous and beloved birds.
Uncover the secret life of owls through this beautiful guide to these secretive and charismatic birds.
Owls are among the most mysterious birds in the world. Their hauntingly beautiful calls and mostly nocturnal habits have long captured our collective imagination, inspiring more superstitions, folktales and myths than any other group of birds. Seven species of owl - the tawny, little, barn, long-eared, short-eared, snowy and eagle owl - can be found in the British Isles (out of sixteen different kinds across Europe). They have lived alongside people for thousands of years, yet we still know so little about their day-to-day lives.
Discover their fascinating lives, from the moment they first hatch, to the way they hunt their prey and how they raise the next generation. Explore the rich folklore they've inspired around the world and learn how, with a bit of luck, you can catch a glimpse of them yourself.
With beautiful illustrations throughout, and expert birdwatching tips, this eye-opening biography reveals the hidden secrets of one of the world's most famous and beloved birds.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published October 5, 2023
28 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Moss
75 books142 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Stephen Moss is a naturalist, broadcaster, television producer and author. In a distinguished career at the BBC Natural History Unit his credits included Springwatch, Birds Britannia and The Nature of Britain. His books include The Robin: A Biography, A Bird in the Bush, The Bumper Book of Nature, Wild Hares and Hummingbirds and Wild Kingdom. He is also Senior Lecturer in Nature and Travel Writing at Bath Spa University. Originally from London, he lives with his family on the Somerset Levels, and is President of the Somerset Wildlife Trust. He is a regular contributor to the Guardian.
Stephen Moss is a naturalist, broadcaster, television producer and author. In a distinguished career at the BBC Natural History Unit his credits included Springwatch, Birds Britannia and The Nature of Britain. His books include The Robin: A Biography, A Bird in the Bush, The Bumper Book of Nature, Wild Hares and Hummingbirds and Wild Kingdom. He is also Senior Lecturer in Nature and Travel Writing at Bath Spa University. Originally from London, he lives with his family on the Somerset Levels, and is President of the Somerset Wildlife Trust. He is a regular contributor to the Guardian.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 16, 2023
I've gotten to a point in my life where I want to spend as much time as I can with owls. It makes me a little jealous of these owl cafés they have over in Japan, I mean, we have cat cafés, so please, bring in the owls! I would buy food and drink in there that I have no intention of consuming, just so I could sit in the company of owls. They are such beautifully magical creatures that I always want to learn more about.
This was a fairly short read, which I wanted to read in one sitting, but I decided to pace myself a bit. The chapters are laid out in simple form, listing all of the species of owls, and then lots of interesting information about them all. I think Moss did this well, and I think there was enough information in each chapter, especially to leave one wanting to explore owls more.
I cannot say that I have a favourite species of owl as such, because in truth, I adore them all. They are all so unique, yet quite obviously from the same family. This book has encouraged me to book another owl experience at my local arboretum,which honestly can't come around fast enough.
This was a fairly short read, which I wanted to read in one sitting, but I decided to pace myself a bit. The chapters are laid out in simple form, listing all of the species of owls, and then lots of interesting information about them all. I think Moss did this well, and I think there was enough information in each chapter, especially to leave one wanting to explore owls more.
I cannot say that I have a favourite species of owl as such, because in truth, I adore them all. They are all so unique, yet quite obviously from the same family. This book has encouraged me to book another owl experience at my local arboretum,which honestly can't come around fast enough.
March 20, 2025
A fascinating and informative biography of the seven species of owl of the British Isles, with a chapter dedicated to each species, as well as a brief chapter on owls around the world. I enjoyed reading about the author's encounters with owls and tips for how to spot them. The highlight for me was the chapter on the elusive Snowy Owl. Beautifully illustrated and presented throughout.
April 12, 2024
Beautiful book about different species of owls. I learned a lot about their fascinating behaviour (courtship of the short-eared owl is quite an amazing thing to see). The (sometimes funny) anecdotes and historical facts were also very good. And the illustrations were perfect. Loved it all.
January 10, 2024
'The Owl: A Biography' (2023) is the fifth and latest in naturalist and author Stephen Moss's series of bird biography books.
Achieving a successful balance between what might be described as a 'popular' rather than 'serious' ornithology book, Moss provides an accessible and well researched insight into the fascinating world of owls, as well as comment on the environmental threats facing owl populations.
Moss's book has chapters dedicated to each of the species of owl found in the UK (Barn, Tawny, Short Earred et al) highlighting the similarities as well as the differences between the various owls.
There's lovely accompanying illustrations throughout - from various artists and different eras, which certainly add to the book.
'The Owl' is a very engaging and informative read, sure to please ornithologists new and old and I look forward to reading more of his work.
Achieving a successful balance between what might be described as a 'popular' rather than 'serious' ornithology book, Moss provides an accessible and well researched insight into the fascinating world of owls, as well as comment on the environmental threats facing owl populations.
Moss's book has chapters dedicated to each of the species of owl found in the UK (Barn, Tawny, Short Earred et al) highlighting the similarities as well as the differences between the various owls.
There's lovely accompanying illustrations throughout - from various artists and different eras, which certainly add to the book.
'The Owl' is a very engaging and informative read, sure to please ornithologists new and old and I look forward to reading more of his work.
April 15, 2025
Excellent read. Especially loved the part on the snowy owl.
November 9, 2023
i don’t want to be a doctor anymore i just want to look for owls
September 7, 2025
An informative, well-written, and enjoyable biography of owls found in the UK, featuring many interesting facts about conservation programs, history, and other relevant background information.
November 27, 2024
https://looneybooks79.blog/2024/11/27...
Ik moet iets toegeven: uilen behoren tot een van mijn favorieten onder de vogels en van het dierenrijk in het algemeen. Dit heeft veel te maken met hun prachtige voorkomen. Sowieso heb ik een grote voorliefde voor roofvogels zoals buizerds en torenvalken en kiekendieven, vooral ook sinds we in een gebied wonen waar we deze vaak kunnen spotten. En gelukkig zijn we ook al een paar getuige geweest van een mooie kerkuil die aan ons deur landde, op een paal, op jacht. En nochtans is de uil een dier dat destijds bij mijn grootmoeder grote angsten opriep, uit bijgeloof.
Stephen Moss is niet aan zijn proefstuk toe als het gaat omtrent biografieën schrijven van vogels, eerder heeft hij al over de zwaan, het winterkoninkje, de roodborst en nog tal van andere vogelsoorten een biografie geschreven.
In dit geval is dus de focus volledig op de uil gelegd en de soorten die, vooral dan, in Groot-Brittanië (maar niet uitsluitend) voorkomen. Dit gaat natuurlijk ook gepaard met de typische en te verwachten boodschap dat vele soorten met uitsterven bedreigd zijn en dat de populatie van uilen zwaar is gedaald de laatste honderd jaar. De mens heeft hier een groot aandeel in, doordat boeren de dieren afmaken, onnodig want uilen zorgen er nu eenmaal voor dat hun boerderijen en hun gewassen gevrijwaard worden van ongedierte zoals muizen en ratten, maar ook doordat vele van de vogels tegen menselijke constructies vliegen (windmolens, flatgebouwen...)
In het boek krijg je een overzicht per uilensoort met informatie over hun woongebied, jachtvelden en waar ze zich mee voeden, eventueel welk bijgeloof er over het dier in het verleden is verspreid geworden en hoe het er momenteel mee staat, met hun populatie en toekomst. Ook de zeldzaamheid komt zeker aan bod en het feit dat natuurverenigingen (vogelbescherming) er alles aan doet om deze dieren een zo rustig en beschermd mogelijk leven te kunnen leiden.
Dat de schrijver zelf een fan is van het dier, als zelfverklaard ornitholoog, natuurhistoricus en wetenschapper, blijkt uit dit boek en deze mooie geïllustreerde gids over de uil heeft mijn enthousiasme over de vogel enkel en alleen maar nog meer aangewakkerd.
Ik moet iets toegeven: uilen behoren tot een van mijn favorieten onder de vogels en van het dierenrijk in het algemeen. Dit heeft veel te maken met hun prachtige voorkomen. Sowieso heb ik een grote voorliefde voor roofvogels zoals buizerds en torenvalken en kiekendieven, vooral ook sinds we in een gebied wonen waar we deze vaak kunnen spotten. En gelukkig zijn we ook al een paar getuige geweest van een mooie kerkuil die aan ons deur landde, op een paal, op jacht. En nochtans is de uil een dier dat destijds bij mijn grootmoeder grote angsten opriep, uit bijgeloof.
Stephen Moss is niet aan zijn proefstuk toe als het gaat omtrent biografieën schrijven van vogels, eerder heeft hij al over de zwaan, het winterkoninkje, de roodborst en nog tal van andere vogelsoorten een biografie geschreven.
In dit geval is dus de focus volledig op de uil gelegd en de soorten die, vooral dan, in Groot-Brittanië (maar niet uitsluitend) voorkomen. Dit gaat natuurlijk ook gepaard met de typische en te verwachten boodschap dat vele soorten met uitsterven bedreigd zijn en dat de populatie van uilen zwaar is gedaald de laatste honderd jaar. De mens heeft hier een groot aandeel in, doordat boeren de dieren afmaken, onnodig want uilen zorgen er nu eenmaal voor dat hun boerderijen en hun gewassen gevrijwaard worden van ongedierte zoals muizen en ratten, maar ook doordat vele van de vogels tegen menselijke constructies vliegen (windmolens, flatgebouwen...)
In het boek krijg je een overzicht per uilensoort met informatie over hun woongebied, jachtvelden en waar ze zich mee voeden, eventueel welk bijgeloof er over het dier in het verleden is verspreid geworden en hoe het er momenteel mee staat, met hun populatie en toekomst. Ook de zeldzaamheid komt zeker aan bod en het feit dat natuurverenigingen (vogelbescherming) er alles aan doet om deze dieren een zo rustig en beschermd mogelijk leven te kunnen leiden.
Dat de schrijver zelf een fan is van het dier, als zelfverklaard ornitholoog, natuurhistoricus en wetenschapper, blijkt uit dit boek en deze mooie geïllustreerde gids over de uil heeft mijn enthousiasme over de vogel enkel en alleen maar nog meer aangewakkerd.
October 26, 2024
English:
*"The Owl"* is a book that draws you into the fascinating world of one of our most hypnotizing feathered friends. Author Stephen Moss takes you on an adventure through the woods and fields of Great Britain, introducing resident breeding owls like the tawny owl, barn owl, and little owl. His style is light and accessible, often keeping the dryness of the subject at bay—though not always entirely.
I read the Dutch translation, and the translator has added footnotes that reveal fun and sometimes surprising details.
Moss leaves me with a hint of envy; he seems to see these nocturnal hunters almost as often as the average bird enthusiast sees a blue tit. I say that with a wink, of course, as owls love to keep their nightly meetings mysterious and rarely show themselves easily. But one thing is for sure: this winter, I’m going out to expand my owl list. Time to pump those rookie numbers up!
NL:
"De uil" is een boek dat je meesleept in de fascinerende wereld van een van de meest mysterieuze vogels onder onze gevleugelde vrienden. Auteur Stephen Moss neemt je mee op avontuur door de bossen en velden van Groot-Brittannië en laat je kennismaken met vaste broedvogels zoals de bosuil, kerkuil en steenuil. Zijn stijl is luchtig en toegankelijk, waardoor hij een vaak droge materie weet te ontwijken – al is dat niet altijd helemaal gelukt.
Ik las de Nederlandse vertaling, en de vertaler heeft er voetnoten aan toegevoegd die leuke en soms verrassende details onthullen.
Moss laat me achter met een lichte jaloezie; hij ziet deze nachtelijke jagers bijna even vaak als een doorsnee vogelliefhebber een koolmeesje spot. Natuurlijk zeg ik dat met een knipoog, want uilen houden hun nachtelijke ontmoetingen graag mysterieus en laten zich zelden zomaar zien. Maar één ding weet ik zeker: deze winter ga ik op pad om mijn uilenlijstje uit te breiden. Tijd om die "rookie numbers" op te krikken!
*"The Owl"* is a book that draws you into the fascinating world of one of our most hypnotizing feathered friends. Author Stephen Moss takes you on an adventure through the woods and fields of Great Britain, introducing resident breeding owls like the tawny owl, barn owl, and little owl. His style is light and accessible, often keeping the dryness of the subject at bay—though not always entirely.
I read the Dutch translation, and the translator has added footnotes that reveal fun and sometimes surprising details.
Moss leaves me with a hint of envy; he seems to see these nocturnal hunters almost as often as the average bird enthusiast sees a blue tit. I say that with a wink, of course, as owls love to keep their nightly meetings mysterious and rarely show themselves easily. But one thing is for sure: this winter, I’m going out to expand my owl list. Time to pump those rookie numbers up!
NL:
"De uil" is een boek dat je meesleept in de fascinerende wereld van een van de meest mysterieuze vogels onder onze gevleugelde vrienden. Auteur Stephen Moss neemt je mee op avontuur door de bossen en velden van Groot-Brittannië en laat je kennismaken met vaste broedvogels zoals de bosuil, kerkuil en steenuil. Zijn stijl is luchtig en toegankelijk, waardoor hij een vaak droge materie weet te ontwijken – al is dat niet altijd helemaal gelukt.
Ik las de Nederlandse vertaling, en de vertaler heeft er voetnoten aan toegevoegd die leuke en soms verrassende details onthullen.
Moss laat me achter met een lichte jaloezie; hij ziet deze nachtelijke jagers bijna even vaak als een doorsnee vogelliefhebber een koolmeesje spot. Natuurlijk zeg ik dat met een knipoog, want uilen houden hun nachtelijke ontmoetingen graag mysterieus en laten zich zelden zomaar zien. Maar één ding weet ik zeker: deze winter ga ik op pad om mijn uilenlijstje uit te breiden. Tijd om die "rookie numbers" op te krikken!
January 19, 2025
It strikes me that owls are, largely, a subject that can thrive on their own account. Owls look good, they're familiar even if you haven't seen one, and their reputation is extremely positive among the general population. There are a number of ways one could approach the topic: Stephen Moss, a birder, takes this perspective. His interest is often in how to see owls, but beyond that it is also the data that birders collect about range, habitat, diet, breeding grounds, and preservation of bird species that forms the bulk of the book. There's some more scientific data, although Moss seems disappointed by some of the revelations that DNA analysis has revealed about owls, especially the identification of three separate species of barn owl. I came to realise, reading this book, that my own interest is the cultural history of the owl - and that I like some depth to my cultural history, not just a catalogue of appearances. I do not hold it against this book that it is not that - I still enjoyed what it was, especially the anecdotal accounts of seeing various kinds of owls. I will just have to seek out more books about owls to get what I want.
November 27, 2024
Although I’ve enjoyed Stephen Moss’s writing for years this is the first bird biography of his I’ve read. This is an interesting, accessible book which will appeal to both the inexperienced naturalist and those who have seen many Owls. I look forward to reading more of his books.
December 30, 2023
I might be a little obsessed with our local Owls, so this book was most certainly for me…
We have local Barn Owls (I built a nest box, and have a couple of cameras trained on it), calling Tawny Owls, very occasional Short-eared, and heard-and-once-seen Long-eared Owls (the Long-eared landed on our washing pole, a couple of yards from the living room window, where it sat and preened for ten minutes). Anyway, that’s a roundabout way of saying that this book did everything I wanted it to, as someone who already loves these birds, and has learned a fair amount about them.
The writing style is informative without being overly academic, and really conveys a genuine appreciation of the subject, with enough “I-didn’t-know-that” snippets thrown in throughout.
Utterly recommended.
We have local Barn Owls (I built a nest box, and have a couple of cameras trained on it), calling Tawny Owls, very occasional Short-eared, and heard-and-once-seen Long-eared Owls (the Long-eared landed on our washing pole, a couple of yards from the living room window, where it sat and preened for ten minutes). Anyway, that’s a roundabout way of saying that this book did everything I wanted it to, as someone who already loves these birds, and has learned a fair amount about them.
The writing style is informative without being overly academic, and really conveys a genuine appreciation of the subject, with enough “I-didn’t-know-that” snippets thrown in throughout.
Utterly recommended.
February 15, 2025
First time reading a biography! I was pleasantly surprised. I am not the biggest fan of academic writing. But this format was quite good! It took me a bit to get into, but I’ve always had a fascination for owls, that’s why it stood out to me in the bookstore.
Besides learning about all the different types of owls, their behaviour, and recognizable features, the mystery of this creature keeps amazing me.
It pleases me that along the depth of the ocean there’s still plenty of things that are still unknown territories for humans. I think it’s good, to be a little afraid. To not grow too comfortable.
To adept, to stay alert.
-Max Asbeek Brusse
Besides learning about all the different types of owls, their behaviour, and recognizable features, the mystery of this creature keeps amazing me.
It pleases me that along the depth of the ocean there’s still plenty of things that are still unknown territories for humans. I think it’s good, to be a little afraid. To not grow too comfortable.
To adept, to stay alert.
-Max Asbeek Brusse
February 5, 2024
A delightful read about native British owls, full of great stories and lots of key information. The book was thorough, not overworked or repetitive, and offered a positive note at the end about the conservation efforts across the world to protect these awesome birds.
(And, additionally, the book itself is beautiful!)
(And, additionally, the book itself is beautiful!)
March 2, 2024
I really enjoyed Stephens writing style, it was very conversational and easy to follow. I found myself wishing for a few more facts and statistics but that's just how my brain works, plus there are some nice tables at the beginning. I enjoyed it a lot and want to read his other books :)
June 3, 2024
Excellent overview for the owl fan.
Another Stephen Moss celebration of the natural world, the elusive British owls and encounters in the wild.
Highly recommended and full of facts and anecdotes, including my favourite Fetlars snowy owls and a pantomime horse!
Another Stephen Moss celebration of the natural world, the elusive British owls and encounters in the wild.
Highly recommended and full of facts and anecdotes, including my favourite Fetlars snowy owls and a pantomime horse!
April 29, 2025
Another brilliant book by Stephen Moss looking at the species of owls found in the UK in detail plus some from further afield. The author does his research well and writes with scholarly authority but is never stuffy. Recommended to anyone wanting to know more about these wonderful birds.
November 16, 2025
This was a really interesting look at several different types of Owl that can be found in the British Isles. It was really interesting to learn about the many different types that exists, how the author has interacted with them as well as how they are currently fairing. Very eye opening.
November 18, 2023
Good read. I wasn't as knowledgeable about the snowy and eagle owl, so I particularly enjoyed those chapters
December 5, 2023
A lovely book about owls with beautiful pictures. If you like owls, you will like this.
December 10, 2023
I do love an owl
Wonderfully told and beautifully illustrated 😍.
Wonderfully told and beautifully illustrated 😍.
January 9, 2024
A fascinating look at this family of birds and their British residents. I'll have to try some of his other bird biographies.
January 19, 2024
Very interesting book, and some laugh out loud anecdotes
September 27, 2024
Informative, lovely personal touch, adored the artwork and good references to what the artwork was of/ who it was produced by.
December 31, 2024
A great read.
March 4, 2025
A fascinating book.
April 10, 2024
Nice concise description of each owl's life style and stories with humans. Each chapter is written slightly differently, keeping the flow whilst maintaining the interest. I enjoyed the parts of the author's personal encounters with owls.
I bought this book because my Zoology project last year was on owls. I'd say I expected to see more focus on the relationship between owls and our culture and less unreliable quotes from random people in the 1800s.
I bought this book because my Zoology project last year was on owls. I'd say I expected to see more focus on the relationship between owls and our culture and less unreliable quotes from random people in the 1800s.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews