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If You Are Close Enough to Distinguish This as a Bird or Caterpillar You're Way TOO Close

by N/A, 10 years ago | 1 min read

For wild animals, survival is a daily grind. For non-predatory animals, especially young ones, it's a constantly immense challenge. They only have two main goals: eat enough to stay healthy, and avoid predators at all costs. It's a simple plan, but incredibly far from easy. Without a doubt, any animal must adapt if it wants to survive.

The Amazonian Cinereous Mourner bird is one such animal that has mastered the art, and is one of the most successful survivors on the planet because of it. In short, the bird pretends to be something it's not - a toxic, aposematic Flannel Moth caterpillar, lethal to any animal that consumes it, regardless of size - a creature predators definitely won't risk trifling with.

amazing Nature wow Birds Animals Outdoors Disguise Non-Premium

This is the furry, aposematic Flannel Moth caterpillar - its orange, white-tipped markings clearly distinct
And this is an Amazonian Cinereous Mourner chick. Notice any resemblances?
What about now?

This is a Mourner chick in defensive repose, and as you can see, it has all the same distinctive markings of the lethal Flannel Moth caterpillar. While their mothers are out gathering food, unable to protect them, the chicks instinctively assume this position, even replicating the wriggle-like movements of the caterpillar, thus effectively deterring predators. Pretty impressive for a bird that doesn't even know how to fly yet!

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