R-script for Kentish Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) Use Nest Materials to Optimise Camouflage and Thermoregulation of their Eggs

Ground-nesting birds must balance egg camouflage with protection against overheating in exposed environments. Using predator-specific vision models and thermal measurements, we show that Kentish plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) modify nest materials to improve both camouflage and thermal regulation under extreme desert conditions. Continued nest modification during incubation enhanced concealment and was associated with higher clutch survival, demonstrating an adaptive solution to competing environmental pressures.