Owl Animal Desmond Morris: The Mysterious and Fascinating Creature

One of the most captivating creatures in the animal kingdom is the owl. These majestic birds possess an air of mystery and intelligence that has intrigued humans for centuries. Among the notable experts who have shed light on the nature of owls is Desmond Morris, a renowned zoologist and author. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of owls and delve into the insights provided by Desmond Morris about these amazing creatures.

The Enigmatic Nature of Owls

Owls are known for their exceptional nocturnal hunting abilities. With their keen eyesight and impeccable hearing, they have become masters of the night. Owls are found in various habitats around the world and belong to the order Strigiformes. They come in different sizes and appearances, ranging from small species like the Elf Owl to larger ones like the Great Grey Owl.

What sets owls apart is their peculiar adaptations for silent flight. Their feathers are specially designed to reduce noise, allowing them to swoop down on their prey undetected. This silent approach, combined with their sharp talons and ability to rotate their heads nearly 270 degrees, makes owls formidable predators.

Owl (Animal)

by Desmond Morris(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7575 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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Desmond Morris and his Fascination with Owls

Desmond Morris, widely known for his works on animal behavior and human nature, has explored the intriguing world of owls in his book "Owl." In his research, Morris delves into the peculiar traits, behavior, and symbolism associated with owls. He highlights the owl's extraordinary adaptations, making them one of nature's most efficient hunters.

Morris examines the symbolic significance of owls in different cultures throughout history. From ancient Greeks considering owls as sacred companions of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, to various Native American tribes perceiving owls as spiritual messengers, these birds hold a special place in human culture and folklore.

The Life of Owls: Adaptations and Behavior

Desmond Morris provides valuable insights into the life of owls and their remarkable adaptations. One of the most fascinating characteristics of owls is their ability to rotate their heads to an astonishing degree. Owls have extra vertebrae in their necks, allowing them to turn their heads without limiting blood flow to the brain.

Furthermore, their specialized feathers enable them to fly silently, giving them a significant advantage in hunting. Owls' feathers have serrated edges with fluffy surfaces, which break up the air turbulence and reduce noise during flight. This adaptation allows owls to approach their prey in stealth, ensuring a higher success rate in their hunts.

Owls possess impeccable vision, thanks to their large forward-facing eyes. Their eyes are fixed within their skulls, preventing them from moving them. However, owls have a highly flexible neck that compensates for the immobility of their eyes. This combination allows them to sharply focus on their prey and accurately judge distances, even in low light conditions.

The Impact of Owls in Popular Culture

Owls have captured the imagination of humans and often make appearances in popular culture. From literature to art and films, owls have been portrayed in various ways, each reflecting the awe-inspiring qualities they possess. In many cases, owls are associated with wisdom, mysticism, and secrets.

Desmond Morris explores the connection between the owl's mystique and its presence in popular culture. He discusses how owls have been depicted in art, including paintings, sculptures, and even ancient cave drawings. Morris examines the symbolic interpretations of owls and the fascination they elicit.

The Conservation of Owls

Throughout his research, Desmond Morris emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect owl populations from various threats. Owls face challenges ranging from habitat loss to pollution and human disturbances. By understanding the behavior and adaptations of owls, we can better appreciate their ecological role and work towards their preservation.

In his book, Morris emphasizes the importance of preserving owl habitats and raising awareness about their unique characteristics. He advocates for conservation organizations and individuals to take action to ensure the survival of these incredible creatures.

Owls, with their enigmatic nature and exceptional abilities, continue to captivate the human imagination. Desmond Morris, through his insightful research and writings, sheds light on the remarkable adaptations and behavior of these magnificent birds. From their silent flight to their profound symbolism, owls remain an intriguing subject of study.

By delving into the world of owls, we gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature and the importance of their conservation. Desmond Morris has played a significant role in unraveling the mysteries of owls, allowing us to glimpse into their fascinating lives and inspiring us to protect these majestic creatures for future generations.

Owl (Animal)

by Desmond Morris(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7575 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

‘The owls are not what they seem.’ From ancient Babylon to Edward Lear’s The Owl and the Pussycat and the grandiloquent, absent-minded Wol from Winnie the Pooh to David Lynch’s Twin Peaks, owls have woven themselves into the fabric of human culture from earliest times. Beautiful, silent, pitiless predators of the night, possessing contradictory qualities of good and evil, they are enigmatic creatures that dwell throughout the world yet barely make their presence known. In his fascinating new book, bestselling author and broadcaster Desmond Morris explores the natural and cultural history of one of nature’s most popular creatures.
Morris describes the evolution, the many species, and the wide spread of owls around the world – excluding Antarctica, owls are found on every land mass, and they range in size from 28 centimetres (the Least Pygmy Owl) to more than 70 centimetres tall (the Eurasian Eagle Owl). As a result of their wide distribution, owls also occur in the folk-tales, myths and legends of many native peoples, and Morris explores all these, as well as the many examples of owls in art, film, literature and popular culture.
A new title by an acclaimed author, and featuring many telling illustrations from nature and culture, Owl will appeal to the many devotees of this emblematic bird. Despite the fact that many have never seen or even heard an owl, he illustrates through this enticing read that the owl’s presence is still very real to us today.