changing their own coloration/colors

Often, yes. To me, "coloration" has a stronger sense that there is a pattern of colors, so if you want to emphasise that aspect then "coloration" might be the word to use. However, "coloration" is a technical-sounding word that doesn't trot so easily off the tongue, so in everyday conversation "colors" (or just "color") would be the usual choice. (Although singular, "color" would in everyday usage often be understood to include the case where several different colors were present.)

I would tend to omit the word "own". It's not wrong, but seems unnecessary.

Mr Wordy, may I take this chance and ask you to clarify what 'trotting so easily off the tongue' means please? I am assuming it means something that is not usually said.

Thank you

PBF

[edited] added 'I' between 'may' and 'take'

Peaceblinkfriend

Mr Wordy, may take this chance and ask you to clarify what 'trotting so easily off the tongue' means please? I am assuming it means something that is not usually said.

Yep, exactly that. "Coloration" is a perfectly good word, but not one that crops up much in everyday conversation (not mine, anyway!).

Peaceblinkfriend

So you would only really use 'coloration' when you are into the technical aspect of camouflage.

Not really... I might use it in relation to camouflage, but it's not specific to that usage. It just means a pattern of colours, generally.

But you're right that it's a more technical-sounding word.