Cryptic (krip'tik) adj. Having hidden or vague qualities. Ghostlike. Secretive. Concealed.
The critters inhabiting our fields, forests and wetlands have evolved an impressive set of survival strategies.
Some animals rely on swiftness of foot or wing. Others depend on camouflage to avoid detection by predators.
We all know the females of most bird species are duller in color, which keeps them hidden during nesting and while raising their young. Meanwhile the male birds usually flaunt gaudy plumage, an adaptation that helps them attract the opposite sex.
But not all male birds are brightly plumed.
The king of the uplands, the ruffed grouse, is a game bird popular with hunters. Both male and female ruffed grouse wear drab-colored feathers in shades of brown, rust, tan and black. These birds blend extremely well with their forest habitat and are seldom detected while moving about.
The American bittern has evolved one of the world's most graceful systems of camouflage. These long-legged marsh birds blend extremely well with their swampy surroundings. When predators are nearby, the males and females assume a statue-like stance, pointing their bills skyward in an attempt to mimic nearby reeds and cattails.
We all know that most species of owls hunt at night, but where do they go during the day? Some hide in hollow trees. Others, like the great gray owl, spend their days snuggled up to tree trunks for midday snoozing. With their spotted and barred plumage, the owls practically disappear into the tree bark.
Some mammals, like the snowshoe hare, shed their brown summer coats. With the arrival of winter, they change into a thick fleece of white, providing perfect camouflage against their frosty surroundings. Try looking a little closer and spotting one of these undercover agents on your next winter walk.
You can see my gallery of photos here.
Bill Marchel, an outdoors writer and photographer, lives near Brainerd.
