Killdeer

The Killdeer or Kildeer (Charadrius vociferous) is a familiar plover which nests on open ground but not necessarily near water. It prefers to nest in a depression in the ground where it is defended valiantly by the owner.

Killdeer Protects its Eggs

The Killdeer will put on a demonstration of being hurt if a predator comes too close to the nest, by putting one wing held up over its back, and the other wing flaps on the ground. When the predator gets too close to look at this display, then the Killdeer will suddenly runs and repeats the display until the intruder is far enough from the nest.

Killdeer Protects its Nest

The Killdeer is known throughout the United States and in the prairie provinces of Canada. The size of the Killdeer ranges from 12-14 cm.

Killdeer with Sharp Markings and Red Eyes