Killdeer Birds General Markings and Characteristics
Posted: Monday, January 31, 2011
by Roger Johnson
Johnson Marketing
Killdeer birds are cute rather plump birds with rather long legs for their little bodies. They like to run in the open ground rather then fly over it. Seem they feel that they will miss some tasty morsel. They have a shrill kill-deer call that sometimes hurts the human ear. It most assuredly hurts other birds and wild life in the area. Their high pitched call is a good defense mechanism. Killdeer are strange birds, they like or rather prefer open grassy and rocky areas that are not always by waterways or other animals.
I suggest that you keep a note book of these characteristics. You can add to it from time to time. This will help you understand and learn. But be patient and note things only one at a time. Otherwise you may get tired and discouraged because you can’t remember everything at once. It will all come in time as you watch these birds. Also take a look at the field marks such as a wingbar and eyering markings to tie some IDs down.
Please remember also to note what time of year you see them as well as other kinds of birds you see in your neighborhood. Then you will be able to keep track of them better next year when the return.
A good field book on birds will help, but do not try to memorize everything in it all at once. Just learn about your specific bird of interest.
Killdeer
Size & Shape
A large fat plover with large bill, large eye, and round head; long legs
Color Pattern
Golden brown color above with two dark bands across the white breast
Behavior
Likes to run swiftly along the ground or will break into stiff-winged flight, has a shrill kill-deer call
Habitat
Prefers open grassy and rocky areas, often far from water, including parking lots, lawns, and driveways
Birding is a great sport, especially watching Killdeers. Their antics and activities will keep you busy for hours. With some enjoyable work in preparation by learning a few basics about them and with a good pair of bird watching binoculars you can have many hours of pleasure with your family or by yourself.
Roger Johnson
This Article has been viewed 190 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.