Kittlitz’s Plover Nest Covering

This video shows a Kittlitz’s Plover covering up the eggs on it’s nest when it sees a predator (or biologist) approaching. Our research into camouflage and how it affects survival uses these plovers and other ground nesting bird species in Africa as model species. The adults and their eggs are exceptionally well camouflaged. We are able to model the camouflage strategies these species use to stay hidden, and see how well they protect the birds from natural predators.