Feather Patterns and Protection from Predators???

[Folly's place]

In general, raptors have eyesight we can only imagine! I doubt that the color of the chicken has much to do with being missed by a hawk.
Mary

 

[centrarchid]

In general, raptors have eyesight we can only imagine! I doubt that the color of the chicken has much to do with being missed by a hawk.
Mary

Even my big butt can be hard for a hawk to see when I do not move. Same with owls at night, Great-horned Owl at least.

 

[Geena]

In general, raptors have eyesight we can only imagine! I doubt that the color of the chicken has much to do with being missed by a hawk.
Mary

I have lost two black, one red, one buff and two white chickens to raptors, all juveniles.

We have hawks and owls living here year round. A resident pair of Redtails perch in a tree in the chicken pasture every morning and has never attempted to take one of my adult chickens, that I know of. I believe size is more of a factor then color.

I watch them all the time swooping down and plucking voles out of the tall, thick grass. If they can see and accurately target something that inconspicuous, I doubt a chicken has a prayer against a hungry hawk, no matter what color/pattern it is.

 

[Geena]

Even my big butt can be hard for a hawk to see when I do not move. Same with owls at night, Great-horned Owl at least.

How would you know if a hawk/owl could see you or not?

 

[centrarchid]

How would you know if a hawk/owl could see you or not?

I can be in plain sight sitting in a chair or laying in snow below chickens roosting in a tree. The raptors can be seen looking directly in my direction before making final approach to perch within 20 feet or me. You have to sit very still. If you move or make a sound, then they review your image.

It's like the dummy owls with hawks perched on them.

 

[Geena]

I can be in plain sight sitting in a chair or laying in snow below chickens roosting in a tree. The raptors can be seen looking directly in my direction before making final approach to perch within 20 feet or me. You have to sit very still. If you move or make a sound, then they review your image.

It's like the dummy owls with hawks perched on them.

The hawks around here act like I'm just part of the landscape. They are not at all deterred by me moving around, even when I actively try to shoo them away they just sit there and stare at me like I'm a fool.

 

[centrarchid]

The hawks around here act like I'm just part of the landscape. They are not at all deterred by me moving around, even when I actively try to shoo them away they just sit there and stare at me like I'm a fool.

Mine mostly ignore me as well which is reason, I see them interact with chickens and birds so often. That said, they get a lot closer when I'm still. The owls are much more wary and stare at me from tops of trees when I confront them when they come in after chickens not yet in protected locations. They watch me closely when I move. They do not if I'm still when they approach.