Introduction -- Conservation -- Parasites and predators -- Physiology in an ecological context -- Morphology in an ecological context -- Daily life: hunting, feeding and sleeping -- Sexual behaviour -- Reproduction -- Parental care -- Sibling interactions -- Demography -- Plumage polymorphism -- Conclusion.
Summary:
"With heart-shaped face, buff back and wings, and pure white underparts, the barn owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird that has fascinated people from many cultures throughout history. How did the barn owl colonize the world? What adaptations have made this bird so successful? How is the increasing impact of human disturbance affecting these animals? Answering these questions and more, Alexandre Roulin brings together the main global perspectives on the evolution, ecology and behaviour of the barn owl and its relatives, discussing topics such as high reproductive potential, physiology, social and family interactions, pronounced colour variation and global distribution. Accessible and beautifully illustrated, this definitive volume on the barn owl is for researchers, professionals and graduate students in ornithology, animal behaviour, ecology, conservation biology and evolutionary biology, and will also appeal to amateur ornithologists and nature lovers"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.