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Nature's Camouflage (Pallid scops owl or striated scops owl.) The camouflage and concealment strategies of various animal species have been widely studied, but scientists from Exeter and Cambridge universities have discovered that individual wild birds adjust their choices of where to nest based on their specific patterns and colours. "This is not a species-level choice. "Individual birds consistently sit in places that enhance their own unique markings, both within a habitat, and at a fine scale with regards to specific background sites." individual birds chose backgrounds that enhanced their camouflage to the visual systems of their main predators -- being better matched to their chosen backgrounds than to other places nearby. The researchers say it is not yet clear how individuals choose places to suit their appearance. "It could be that somehow they 'know' what they look like and act accordingly," Professor Stevens said. "They may look at themselves, their eggs and the background and judge whether it's a good place to nest, or learn over time about what kinds of places their eggs escape being eaten." In frame : Pallid scops owl or striated scops owl. Owing to its small body size, the pallid scops-owl mainly feeds upon insects, such as beetles, moths, locusts and mole crickets. Nevertheless, it is also capable of taking small mammals, such as rodents, shrews and bats, along with small birds and lizards. This species typically hunts from a perch, swooping down to pluck prey from branches or the ground, but may also catch aerial prey on the wing. While the pallid scops-owl is predominantly a nocturnal hunter, it has also been observed foraging in the morning and afternoon. Owl Images & Pictures stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Nature's Camouflage (Pallid scops owl or striated scops owl.) The camouflage and concealment strategies of various animal species have been widely studied, but scientists from Exeter and Cambridge universities have discovered that individual wild birds adjust their choices of where to nest based on their specific patterns and colours. "This is not a species-level choice. "Individual birds consistently sit in places that enhance their own unique markings, both within a habitat, and at a fine scale with regards to specific background sites." individual birds chose backgrounds that enhanced their camouflage to the visual systems of their main predators -- being better matched to their chosen backgrounds than to other places nearby. The researchers say it is not yet clear how individuals choose places to suit their appearance. "It could be that somehow they 'know' what they look like and act accordingly," Professor Stevens said. "They may look at themselves, their eggs and the background and judge whether it's a good place to nest, or learn over time about what kinds of places their eggs escape being eaten." In frame : Pallid scops owl or striated scops owl. Owing to its small body size, the pallid scops-owl mainly feeds upon insects, such as beetles, moths, locusts and mole crickets. Nevertheless, it is also capable of taking small mammals, such as rodents, shrews and bats, along with small birds and lizards. This species typically hunts from a perch, swooping down to pluck prey from branches or the ground, but may also catch aerial prey on the wing. While the pallid scops-owl is predominantly a nocturnal hunter, it has also been observed foraging in the morning and afternoon. Owl Images & Pictures stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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