Sandpiper Like

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus
Killdeer thumbnail
Length: 11 in. (27 cm )
A common bird of moist open areas, beaches, fields, lawns, and golf courses, the Killdeer gets its name from its call. It is easily identified by its start and stop running behavior. The nest is usually a shallow depression in sand or gravel on an open rise where danger can be seen approaching. Killdeer parents perform a startling \broken wing\ act when a predator is near the nest. The bird convincingly drags a wing and acts like it is injured, all the while tricking the hungry predator away from the eggs or young. The Killdeer feeds on insects and other invertebrates captured in upland areas or on the surface of moist mud.

The four-digit banding code is KILL.


Marsh / swamp

Open water

Urban city
Bird Sound Type: Buzzing
Sex of Bird: Male
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Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Killdeer
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: March 7, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/killdeer

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). Killdeer. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved March 7, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/killdeer

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Killdeer". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/killdeer

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Killdeer". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 7 Mar 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/killdeer

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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