From Ananth Rangaraj

Mottled Wood Owl displays its astounding camouflage.

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[–] [S] 10 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I was happy to find this photo. Most of the ones I've come across have emphasized their cool patterns, not how that pattern actually benefits the owl in its environment.

Though modestly flashy in the light and out in the open, when it's up in the trees where it hides, it becomes super effective.

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  • [–] 5 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Wow, they're beautiful. The one on the right's head somewhat reminds me of a vulture.

    Yeah, the patterns are amazing, but seeing them in use, so to speak, really brings a whole nother dimension to the coolness factor of these owls. They become nearly invisible! It's crazy.

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  • [–] [S] 4 points 1 year ago

    The positioning of the head really slims that "jawline" aspect of the head and the beak curvature becomes very visible, indeed making it seem like a floofier vulture profile. Great observation!

    The seeing (not seeing?) the camo pattern in action adds a functional beauty to the aesthetic beauty, and it becomes all the more impressive that it can function so well in both ways.

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