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Wood-
coloured
feathers help
it to merge
with its
surroundings.
Seasonal
changes
In winter, some birds
such as the ptarmigan
change colour to blend
in with the snowy
landscape. As birds
moult their feathers
every year, the
ptarmigan can change
colour by shedding one
set of feathers and
replacing them with
another, different-
coloured set.
Nightjar
Daytime hideout
The nightjar feeds on insects at dusk,
but during the day it sits completely
still, looking like a broken branch. It
keeps the white patch on its wing
hidden in order to stay camouflaged.
Debris on
woodland floor
In summer, the ptarmigan’s
brown feathers hide it
against the rocks.
In winter, its white
plumage blends in
with the snow.