How a Bird Came to Look Like a Caterpillar
Podcast |
BirdNote Daily
Publisher |
BirdNote
Media Type |
audio
Categories Via RSS |
Education
How To
Natural Sciences
Nature
Science
Publication Date |
Oct 29, 2023
Episode Duration |
00:01:45

The Cinereous Mourner is a small, ashy-gray bird that lives in the forest understory of the Amazon Basin. And it’s taking mimicry to the next level: when viewed from above, lying alone in its cup-shaped nest, its chick is a near match to a highly toxic caterpillar — one that snakes and monkeys won’t eat. The chick even waves its head like a caterpillar, increasing the illusion.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org

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In nature, one way to avoid being eaten is to look like something you’re not.

The Cinereous Mourner is a small, ashy-gray bird that lives in the forest understory of the Amazon Basin. And it’s taking mimicry to the next level: when viewed from above, lying alone in its cup-shaped nest, its chick is a near match to a highly toxic caterpillar — one that snakes and monkeys won’t eat. The chick even waves its head like a caterpillar, increasing the illusion.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org

Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. 

BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.

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