320 ANIMAL LIFE 



large flock of quail, can not see a bird until it flies, because 

 the dull-colored plumage so effectually resembles the 

 autumn leaves and tangled grass. The little screech owl 

 with his gray and brown feathers becomes inconspicuous 

 against the somber-hued barks of the forest. The ptar- 

 migan adjusts its plumage in accordance with the season, 



FIG. 359 The ptarmigan in winter. Photograph of mounted specimen. 



being brown in summer and white in winter. The arctic 

 fox and hare exhibit the same seasonal change. Most 

 animals of the arctic regions are white, as that is the most 

 protective color for the land of snow. The weasel in the 

 northern part of the United States and Canada is brown 

 in color during the warm months, but becomes after snow- 

 fall in early winter a pure white, except the tip of its tail. 



Some animals are protected by their likeness to the form 

 of others which for various reasons are left unharmed. 



