One of our absolute favorite birds. A real beauty.
Killdeer
Killdeer get their name from the shrill, wailing kill-deer call they give so often. Eighteenth-century naturalists also noticed how noisy these birds are, giving them names such as Chattering Plover and the Noisy Plover.
Gravel rooftops (which are going out of style) attract Killdeer for nesting but can be dangerous places to raise a brood. Chicks may be unable to leave a roof because of high parapets and screened drain openings. Adults eventually lure their chicks off the roof, which can be dangerous too.
Love that beautiful red eye ring
To guard against large hoofed animals, the Killdeer uses and interesting display, fluffing itself up, displaying its tail over its head, and running at the beast to attempt to make it change its path.
A well-known denizen of dry habitats, these birds are actually proficient swimmers. Adults can swim well in swift-flowing water and chicks can swim across small streams.
Watching them preen their all-important feathers is always a treat.
The male and female of a mated pair pick out a nesting site through a ritual known as a scrape ceremony.
The male lowers his breast to the ground and scrapes a shallow depression with his feet.
The female then approaches, head lowered, and takes his place. The male then stands with body tilted slightly forward, tail raised and spread, calling rapidly. Mating often follows.
Killdeer lay their eggs into an empty nest but add other materials later on.
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