Killdeer Killdeer
A familiar shorebird found most everywhere in the U.S. This robin-sized bird has two black bands on its throat. Its body is light brown with white below. It prefers to inhabit open areas and is somewhat abundant. Killdeer nest on the ground in a nest lined with grass. Adults protect their nests by feigning injuriy when a predator approaches. The parent tries to lure away the predator by dragging its wing along the ground and hobbling away from the nest site. When the danger passes, the bird flies off.
Tracks show three toes facing forward and one back. They are small, but abundant along water’s edge in many places.
The call sounds like: "kill-DEEE."
Got a killdeer story? E-mail me and tell me about it.
Copyright © 1997. Text and drawings by Kim A. Cabrera
