Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Killdeer

 The killdeer is a common plover found throughout North America, Central America and Northern South America. They typically nest in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Birds that nest in Canada and the northern US typically migrate as far south as Peru. Birds that nest in the southern and central US often are year round residents. Killdeer are ground nesters. The nest is a shallow depression in dry ground with little vegetation around. The bird above is on the nest and actually has chicks below her as well as the one visible out front.
Killdeer will sometimes nest in wetlands finding a slightly elevated dry spot for the nest. They have also been observed nesting on the gravel roofs of buildings, which can be disastrous.The typical clutch size for killdeer is four to six eggs. The eggs are incubated for three to four weeks. The eggs are buff colored with many speckles which makes them look like stones. When the chicks hatch they already have a covering of down feathers and are able to leave the nest and begin foraging right away.  Even though this chick was way to young to fly it still could run quite quickly and was an expert at hiding in the lily pads.
Although they are a shore bird killdeer are often found away from water in parks, farm fields, golf courses and along gravel roads. When a predator shows up near the nest or young the adult bird will often fake a wing injuring to try to lure the predator away. When the predator is far enough away from the nest or young or if it gets to close the adult will give up the rouse and fly away. This does not stop animals like cows that are not interested in eating the adult. In these cases the bird will puff itself up as large as possible and charge the larger animal, hoping to get it to change its path. The bird in the photo above is faking a broken wing.



10 comments:

Obsessivemom said...

Aww... The picture with the chicks is the best. What a treat t get to watch that family.

Sonja said...

I saw some in Washington last month for the first time. They are an interesting little shorebird.

Roger Owen Green said...

So it's not a kill deer, it's a fool deer to go away?

ROG, ABCW

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI Lovely shots and information about this little wader, Beautiful butterfly on last post also.

Unknown said...

Amazing to hear of such familiar behaviours, brilliantly captured. I'm sure you're not surprised to hear that some of "our" little plovers do the same things in Australia (Red-capped plover & Hooded plover I'm thinking of)

Nabanita said...

lovely shots!

Joy said...

What a sight it must be to see that little chick skittering over the lily pads. Plovers are lovely birds.

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

I can remember my Mother telling me about Killdeer when I was very young. I learned to recognize their call, but didn't hear it for years until we moved to where we live now. There are many lakes and wetlands around us and the Killdeer are almost a common sight, though I have only seen chicks once. This was a wonderful post. I have seen all of these behaviors and love these interesting and resourceful little birds. Thanks Ecobirder :)

Andrea @ From The Sol

AmitAag said...

Amazing bird! Great to know about it through your wonderful post:)
http://amitaag.blogspot.in/2014/03/kinetic.html

Anonymous said...

the chick looks so cute on the lilypad!