Found in intertidal mud areas, the dominant large invertebrate is the fiddler crab, which comes out of its burrow at low tide to scavenge over the mud. They are found in such numbers that the sand in certain areas seems alive as we walk over it, as the little crabs scurry back to their holes to avoid us, and other potential predators. The name of this common crustacean comes from the fact that the male crabs sport one enormous claw, which outsizes the other one by far. The use of this exaggerated claw is in territorial display, but it looks odd, as if the animal in question were playing a fiddle!
Mocking birds are often seen at this time of the day looking for the crabs in sandy areas. If an animal cannot be seen by a predator no elaborate or physiologically costly defense mechanisms are needed. Cryptic coloration or camouflage is one of the most important defensive strategies. Colors that blend with the background, disruptive patterning and counter-shading that breaks up the animal outline all help to make a motionless animal disappear. Many invertebrates can change color, and those that cannot decorate themselves to blend with the environment.
Play mocking bird and try to find this one!
