The Peterson Reference Guide to Owls of North America and the Caribbean includes nearly 400 stunning images by some of the world's best bird photographers. (Florida/©Tom Johnson)

Peterson Reference Guide to Owls of North America and the Caribbean

Scott Weidensaul

 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

October 2015

Hardcover; 337 pages

 This comprehensive new work, covering all the owls of North America (including Mexico) and the Caribbean, is the latest addition to the Peterson Reference Guide series, and one of the most authoritative books on this fascinating group of birds ever published.

Despite its wide range in the Latin America and the Caribbean, the stygian owl remains largely a mystery. (Sonora/©Dean LaTray) From widespread, well-known species like great horned and barn owls, to little-known tropical birds like the crested owl, stygian owl and bare-legged owl, this book sets a new benchmark as the definitive reference to these enigmatic birds.

 The Peterson Reference Guide to Owls:

 --Is the only reference work to cover all 39 species of owls in Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, including many rare and poorly known tropical species.

 --Features nearly 400 color photographs by some of the world's best bird photographers, illustrating identification, behaviorThe black-and-white owl is one of the few raptors in the world that appear to prey heavily on bats. (Costa Rica/©Tom Johnson) and ecology.

 --Includes the most detailed and up-do-date information on the distribution, biology, ecology, diet, nesting habits, migration, systematics and taxonomy, and conservation status, based on the latest research.

 --Features the most accurate and current range maps for each species (and many subspecies), reflecting recent discoveries and range expansions.

--Is the only guide to include a free downloadable audio album of 86 characteristic vocalizations for all species, from Cornell's Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds, useful in the field and for home study.