Color Variations in the Wild
Filed under: Ask Grant, Deer Biology
Now for my question, I filmed a bronze (reddish) hen this spring and wanted to know what you thought made her like this? I really enjoy filming and doing a little writing. She is truly God’s beautiful creation and so unique. I was very happy to get her on film.
What are your thoughts?
Toxie
Toxie,
Congratulations on capturing such a unique observation on video. A wild critter’s coloration is critical to their survival. There are white tadpoles born, but they rarely survive because predators can find them much easier than normal colored tadpoles. This is probably why wild critters usually have much less variation in skin and hair color compared to humans. Variation in color usually means a higher likelihood of being consumed by a predator. The hen you filmed obviously has a pattern that allows her to be just as successful at avoiding predation as a normal hen color.
Thanks again for sharing footage and your appreciation of God’s creation!
Growing Deer together,
Grant