Front:
Allan Brooks-
OKILLDEER
National Audubon Society
Back:
No. 44 Killdeer
This plover derives its name from its oft-
repeated note of kildee, kildee, dee, dee. It is a
widely distributed bird and is generally known
even by those who are not students of bird life.
It not only frequents the shores of rivers and
lakes, but is even more commonly found in pas-
tures and cultivated areas where it usually occurs
in small flocks. It may often be seen wheeling
gracefully through the air, or again running along
sandy beaches or mud-flats, as well as in fields and
orchards. Here it picks up a great variety of insects
and larvae of which its fare principally consists.
Many of these are very injurious to agriculture
and the killdeer is therefore one of our most useful
birds.
The killdeer consumes little time building a nest,
but usually lines a shallow cavity on the ground
with small pebbles. Four eggs are generally laid.
These are creamy white, spotted with chocolate
brown.
Few examples of bird behaviour are more strik-
ing than the efforts of the killdeer to lead intruders
away from the nest. On such occasions its piteous
cries and fluttering form are very appealing.
Scientific name: Charadrius vociferus.
Length: 107/2 inches.
Range: Throughout most of North and South America.
No. 44 from set of 50 Birds of Western North America. Published
by the National Audubon Society, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York 28,
New York. Price per set, $1.50 postpaid.
