Killdeer

The killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) is a medium-sized shorebird of the plover family, known for its distinctive, piercing "kill-deer" call. This common North American bird has a mottled brown back, a white breast, and characteristic black bands across its chest and face. Primarily ground-nesting, killdeer are often found in open habitats such as fields, lawns, and gravelly areas, and can feign injury to distract predators from their nests. They feed on insects and other invertebrates, and their presence is often an indication of a healthy ecosystem. The killdeer's adaptability allows it to thrive even in human-altered environments, making it a familiar sight across the continent.

Killdeer meaning with examples

• As we strolled through the meadow, a killdeer abruptly feigned a broken wing, fluttering across the field in an attempt to lure us away from its hidden nest. Its piercing cry, "kill-deer," echoed through the quiet afternoon, adding an element of wild beauty to the scene. The sight of the killdeer's clever ruse reminded us of nature's resourcefulness.
• The farmer was thrilled to spot a killdeer nesting in his freshly plowed field, as it meant the soil was likely teeming with the insects that this bird loves to eat. The killdeer's presence was a good sign, reflecting the land's health. He observed the killdeer with a quiet respect.
• We watched as a family of killdeer, the parents and their chicks, foraged along the gravel path, their calls constantly resonating across the landscape. They probed into the small stones. Observing these killdeer showed their survival instincts and the birds’ willingness to live alongside people.
• In the quiet of dawn, the only sound was the call of the killdeer which drifted through the misty air. This echoed repeatedly: "kill-deer," "kill-deer," and then the bird disappeared. I knew it was nesting nearby. The sound was quite beautiful in its simplicity.
• During a birdwatching trip to the open prairie, our guide pointed out a killdeer camouflaged among the rocks, perfectly blending into its surroundings. The killdeer's ability to blend into the area reminded me of the animals' ability to survive. The birds' camouflage made the viewing event especially fascinating.