Nature's Fashion Show: Most Uniquely Patterned Animals on Earth

9.A Chicken With A Lot Of Hearts

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Rare in farmed chicken, this hen's plumage shows a distinctive pattern of heart-shaped dots that creates a dramatic visual impact. These few bird species have an interesting parallel since the pattern resembles the marks of the spot-bellied owl from India. The hen's evident attentiveness in the picture, maybe resulting from the indicated presence of an owl, gives the picture a fascinating layer: a bird dressed with symbolic of love demonstrating natural defensive behaviour. This contrast of survival instinct with decorative pattern reminds us of the dual nature of animal markings: beautiful to human viewers but frequently quite important for survival.