Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Killdeer



Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)

Order: Charadriiformes     Family: Plovers (Charadriidae)

This small shorebird measures 23-27 cm (9-10.5 in) in length. Even though they are shorebirds they often do not nest or live near the water. They do not build ‘traditional nests’ and in fact use no nesting materials at all. Instead they lay their eggs among gravel and stones that are similar in color and size. Both sexes incubate the eggs. When predators threaten the eggs or the young, the parent will simulate a broken wing and lead the predator away. They live and breed throughout the Americas and the Caribbean. A flock is also known as a ‘season’ of Killdeers.

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