{"id":4867,"date":"2022-11-03T18:52:06","date_gmt":"2022-11-03T18:52:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/?p=4867"},"modified":"2022-11-03T18:52:06","modified_gmt":"2022-11-03T18:52:06","slug":"killdeer-the-bird-that-named-itself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/2022\/11\/03\/killdeer-the-bird-that-named-itself\/","title":{"rendered":"Killdeer: The Bird That Named Itself"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Introduction:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Killdeer are perhaps one of the most notable and widely spread shorebirds in North America. They are a rather active and noisy plover that can often be found far from the shore (All About Birds<\/a>). They also boast a rather unique name, however, don’t let them fool you, these little guys can’t actually take down a deer.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Figure 1: Adult Killdeer. Via holdenfg.org<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Description:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) are slender robin-sized birds belonging to the family of Charadriidae. This family of birds falls under the common name of plovers, which may be familiar to some readers. They exhibit the typical plover feature of having a short bill. However, they have a uniquely large and round head and eyes. They also have rather lanky legs along with a long pointed tail. Killdeer are averaged size plovers with a weight between 75-128g, a length between 20-28cm, and a wingspan between 46-48cm (All About Birds<\/a>). Killdeer may be called shorebirds, yet they are often found far from it as they can be spotted in short grass fields far from water or even gravel parking lots (Sibely, 2016). While Killdeer have a somewhat misleading common name, their scientific name describes them perfectly, as Charadirus refers to frequenting the shore, and vociferous means clamorous and noisy, which they most definitely are (Jobling, 2010<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identification:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most distinct feature of Killdeer is the two black bands wrapping around their lower neck and breast. Note that the two black bands are only present in adults as juveniles will only have one. In addition to this, they also have two distinct black stripes on their face. Other than these features Killdeer are rather plain with their above being a boring shade of brown with a white bottom and a rusty rump\/tail when in flight. It should also be noted that males and females of this species appear the same, meaning they are monochromatic, so sexing from a distance is a lost battle. Although one may think the black bands might separate Killdeer from other shore birds, they are often confused with other plovers, such as Wilson\u2019s plover and the Semipalmated plover (All About Birds<\/a>). However, these birds only have one measly black band located at the base of their neck. So if you\u2019re ever stuck between the three look out for those two distinct bands.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Figure 2: Idenitifcation of Killdeer. Via explorenature.org<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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As some may already be familiar with, Killdeer did not get their name from a unique prey item. Rather Killdeer actually named themselves, as their call is described as “kill-deer”(eBird<\/a>). In addition to calling their name, they also have a shrill “kill-deee” or “fill-deee”. Along with a call of “dee, dee-duh-duh” or “deet-deet-deet” and a sputtered alarm call when protecting their nest (Audubon.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Audio 1: “kill-deer”\/ “kill-dee”\/ “fill-dee” call of Killdeer. Jade Via Audubon<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Audio 2: “dee-dee-duh-duh” call of Killdeer. Via Audubon<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Audio 3: “deet-deet-deet” call of Killdeer. Via Audubon<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Audio 4: Sputtered alarm call of Killdeer. Via Audubon<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Habitat and Distribution:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Killdeer can be found as far north as northern Canada and as far south as northern South American coasts. They are known to breed in Canada and the United States where they are also year-round residents, making sightings likely for us here on the island. There are also some year-round residents in parts of Mexico. Some northern breeding Killdeer may also choose to spend their winters in Mexico (All About Birds<\/a>). In British Columbia specifically, Killdeer have been found to breed in the southern third of the province. Generally mirroring the distribution of agriculture and human development (Atlas of the Breeding Birds of British Columbia<\/a>). As previously mentioned, Killdeer are shore birds meaning they often inhabit shore environments such as sandbars and mudflats, like the ones our class saw at Englishmen River Estuary. However, they can also be found in agricultural crops, pastures, short-grass prairies, as well as wetlands, and open grasslands (New Hampshire PBS<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n

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Figure 3: Killdeer Distribution. Via All About Birds<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Figure 4: Probability of Killdeer Observation in British Columbia. Via Atlas of the Breeding Birds of British Columbia<\/a>. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Behaviour <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Killdeer are mostly spotted feeding during the day either alone, in a breeding pair, or in a loose grouping during non-breeding seasons, however, they are also known to be active during night hours (Animal Diversity Web<\/a>). Killdeer are ground foragers typically observed on flat landscapes using a stop-and-go technique of running and then stopping and pecking around to search for prey such as insects or earthworms, they will also tap their foot to stir up anything nearby. When inhabiting farmland they will sometimes follow tractors to search for upturned prey, which is a very unique behaviour (American Bird Conservancy<\/a>). They are often thought to be carnivores as they do primarily feed on insects, crustaceans, and terrestrial or aquatic invertebrates. When in reality they are omnivores as they have been known to feed on berries (Animal Diversity Web<\/a>). Their flight is stiff with intermittent wingbeats, and when they are disturbed they will take off and circle overhead while calling, especially if the disturbance is near their nest (All About Birds<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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