by DJ Featherton
Yes, Killdeer are shorebirds, but, you don’t have to go to the shore to enjoy this well-marked and graceful plover. In fact, Killdeer are common in yards, newly cut fields, golf courses, even parking lots and football fields. Their range is from southern Canada, all throughout the U.S., Mexico and Central America. Like other plovers, their wings are long and narrow, and their beautiful coloration provides excellent camouflage from danger. Most of their time is spent foraging on the ground as they quickly walk, then suddenly stop, bow their head up and down, and then briskly repeat. The Killdeer’s call is a loud “kill-deeeer” that can be heard both day and night, and throughout the seasons. Yes, these shorebird plovers are here all year long.
I’m reminded of a winter day in Wisconsin when a very well-known Midwest birder loaded his van with us amateur birders for a day of birding. As we stopped next to a small country creek, he used his binoculars to scan the area. It just took a minute before he announced, “There’s a Killdeer!” He told us where to look, so we all got our binoculars and searched and searched. It took us forever to find that Killdeer standing on the rocky ground as obvious as can be. His tan back, bright-white breast with black and white intricate markings on his head and neck made him nearly impossible to see. Irony being, my well-seasoned birder friend who spotted the Killdeer immediately, is colorblind. Sometimes it takes experience!
Killdeer live mostly on the ground. Their nest is a scratched-out depression in large open areas. This leaves their nest vulnerable to danger, but not without special protection from the adult birds. When cats, dogs, or people get near, the Killdeer runs from the nest with a broken-wing act in hopes of distracting the danger. Interestingly, they have a different act when cattle or horses get close. Then, the Killdeer will fluff-up his feathers, pull his tail-feathers over his head, and charge the big animals to steer them away so their nest and eggs don’t get stepped on. These antics and behavior are common, and more reason to enjoy watching the Killdeer.
Although the Killdeer is a shorebird plover that prefers dry land, they are skilled swimmers and do well near water. Even the very-young will swim behind their mother for some distance. Near the water, Killdeer will eat snails, crayfish, frogs, and aquatic insect larvae. Otherwise, these active birds are pleased to follow a farmer’s plow to eat the newly turned up earth worms and insect larvae. Seeds from open-land and agriculture are also a regular part of their diet. The Killdeer don’t frequent backyard feeders, but will visit your yard if you have an area of open lawn and fields. Maybe they’re not at your feeder, but these neat birds are not hard to find. You won’t need a scope. Just take your binoculars and best camera and you’ll be well-rewarded. See ya out there!
