Possessing the ability to get lost in the horizon is something that some animals can boast of. As a defense mechanism or simple survival, the extraordinary adaptation of the skin or fur to blend in with the environment is something that works spontaneously. Certainly human beings do not have this ingenious ability, but the natural world stands out for having the best camouflages on the planet, including the gray owl camouflage.
Owls in general are experts at camouflage (yes, almost like chameleons), these birds of prey can remain hidden for hours. Their enormous eyes are on the lookout for their prey or are attentive to the lenses of wildlife photographers.
The expert camouflage of an owl
The latter was what happened to photographer James S. Batuigas, a camera lover who discovered a great gray owl through his lens. Although the enormous owl camouflages itself with tree bark, which perfectly matches its plumage, it was not enough to avoid being spotted.
“Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something moving on the trunk of the tree, that’s when I realized it was the owl cleverly blending into the bark of the tree,” adds James S.
Before James’ eyes lay the great gray owl, a Strix nebulosa, the largest species of owl on the planet (so far known). About 84 cm long, the owl remains still on a branch, while the color and pattern of its plumage fades with the tree.
Suddenly, its head turns and the owl is directly facing the photographer. An inquisitive, yellow gaze collides with the lens and then a mythical figure of the forest is revealed. Rarely are you so lucky to observe nature in its natural wonder, but James was lucky to capture incredible images of a gray owl’s camouflage.
How does camouflage work in animals?
Within the natural world every ability is an advantage over another being; one more chance to survive. Camouflage is one of those many characteristics that prevents a species from becoming food or becoming an extraordinary predator. However, camouflage works differently for each animal. According to the physiology of the animal, then this ability will know if it blends in with water, plants, or rocks.
The animal’s environment is, in many cases, the factor that determines the appearance of the camouflage. Animals often prefer to blend into the background, such as the gray owl. Some others are capable of changing the tones of their skin to adapt to the ecosystem in which they find themselves.
In this sense, the physiology of the animal will decide how to adapt the camouflage. For example, birds’ camouflage is in their feathers; In mammals, it is in the fur and in amphibians and fish, it is found in the scales.
Many animals have the ability to camouflage themselves, but few have the ability to change their coloration to adapt to a constantly changing environment. Chameleons, for example, are a species capable of changing their color, while owls only blend into the tree that most resembles them.