Why is a Killdeer So-Named?

Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus, giving me a cautious look as it keeps its space from the goofy photographer with the big lens! Mission River Preserve, San Diego, California. Killdeers are not named because they murder bambi in cold blood; they are named after the sound of their piercing call. This is a somewhat common way to name birds, particularly for many shorebirds, such as the Kerwit, Curlew, and Godwit.

Killdeer

Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus, Daylily Hills. A pair of Killdeer had taken up residence next to an artificial pond at Daylily Hills. The male attempted to lure me away from the foliage surrounding the pond with a classic broken wing strategy. I can only guess that there was a nest hidden in the surrounding brush. Killdeer are one of the most widespread of the plover family. Lest you wonder, the name, Killdeer, apparently is based on their call. Apparently, they are also capable of fluffing up and chasing large mammals like cows away from their nest.

Killdeer

A Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus, stands guard near its nest. It occasionally would lift a wing as if it was broken in a disply meant to lure off predators. It is so named for its noisy nesting behavior (why would you want to make noise when you are nesting anyhow?). This picture was taken at Santa Rosa Ecological Preserve.