. Bird-lore . MICRYTlie LcMst Mittern, when alarmed, simulates a broken reed in shape as well as in color brown head separated from its similarly colored back by a conspicuous whilering, and its snowy breast is crossed by two coal black bands. In spile ofthese marks, one linds that l)olh ihc Wood Duck and ihc Killdeer in theirnatural environments, are very inconspicuous, and we are led to believe thatthese ruptive marks, as they are called, ser\e a])parently to split up the birdinto several pieces, destroy its continuity of form, and thereby conceal it bymaking it unbirdlike. Those who followe
. Bird-lore . MICRYTlie LcMst Mittern, when alarmed, simulates a broken reed in shape as well as in color brown head separated from its similarly colored back by a conspicuous whilering, and its snowy breast is crossed by two coal black bands. In spile ofthese marks, one linds that l)olh ihc Wood Duck and ihc Killdeer in theirnatural environments, are very inconspicuous, and we are led to believe thatthese ruptive marks, as they are called, ser\e a])parently to split up the birdinto several pieces, destroy its continuity of form, and thereby conceal it bymaking it unbirdlike. Those who followed the dexelopmcnt of camouflage The Audubon Societies 323 in the world war will recognize in counter-shading and rupti\-e marks two ofthe principles that were utilized as much as any to conceal battleships, largeguns, ammunition trains, and even small buildings. One other class of markings we might consider here since they are similarto the ruptive marks in being themselves extremely noticeable. T refer to the. WHERE COLOR PATTERN COUNTS A. Ruffed Grouse on nest showing dead leaf and twig pattern B. Kark pattern of Screecli Owl C. Drift pattern of Pectoral Sandpipers D. Grass pattern of Meadow Lark, startled while at its nest E. Pebble pattern of young Killdeers 324 Bird - Lore so-called Hash colors or banner marks. The white tail of the deer and thecottontail, which are raised and made as conspicuous as possible when theanimal is fleeing; the white outer tail-feathers of the Junco and the ^leadowlark;the white patch on the rump of the Flicker, and the striking black-and-whitewings of the Willet, all fall into this class. These marks were at one timesupposed to serve as signals to the young or to others of the species to keep theflock together, but Dr. C. Hart Merriam has suggested a still better use forthem by explaining how they may serve to give protection from their the animal or bird is fleeing, the eye of the enemy naturally fastens uponthe very conspicuous f
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Keywords: ., boo, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectbirdsperiodicals
