Killdeer

I met this Killdeer a couple weeks ago. For casual birdwatchers, these guys have a couple things you'll appreciate:

  1. You don't have to go someplace special to find them. Though taxonomically shorebirds, Killdeer aren't especially partial to the shore, and will frequently "nest" in open areas like parking lots.
  2. They're an easy ID too. Their 2 black bands around the breast are unique to other shorebirds, and probably any other birds you're likely to see around here.
  3. They're dramatic. If you accidentally get close to their nest, they'll put on an injured wing acting performance worthy of an Oscar to lure you away. (I'm assuming that their acting chops is the only reason they're able to nest out in open ground the way they do.)
  4. Though their vocalization is supposed to be calling for the execution of deer, it's unclear that they really harbor any grudge against those wild ruminants.
April 2, 2022 at Duke Farms
Photo 186781572, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


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