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. Owls of the World 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 Owls of the World and sonograms are provided for many species.
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.
"You will find this an excellent reference book, the most comprehensive on owls available."
– British Birds (May 2009)
"Immerse yourself in its pages on a March evening, when spring is beckoning and local owls are starting to hoot temptingly outside the window."
– BBC Wildlife (March 2009)
"This is, at this moment, the world's largest book of owls of the world."
– Kaulbrief (September 2009)
"'This is exactly what we have come to expect in a Helm Identification Guide: a book that is great for beginners, like me, and experts."
– Peregrine (Spring 2009)
"the most comprehensive examination of owl taxa ever conducted. We thank the authors of Owls of the World for their truly significant contribution to the science and conservation of these spectacular birds."
– Bulletin of the British Ornothologists Club (2010)