KILLDEER PLOVER Meaning and
Definition
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The killdeer plover, scientifically known as Charadrius vociferus, is a small bird species belonging to the family Charadriidae. This distinctive and conspicuous bird is found across North America, inhabiting various habitats such as open fields, pastures, meadows, and shores of lakes and rivers.
Measuring approximately 9-11 inches in length, the killdeer plover has a slender body with long legs and a distinct double breast band in black and white. Its upperparts are primarily brown with a light beige underbelly. The head features a white forehead and a dark brown crown bordered by two prominent white eyebrow stripes.
Known for its distinctive and noisy call, the killdeer plover earned its name due to its loud, repetitive calls that resemble "kill-deah, kill-deah." These vocalizations are often used as an alarm system to warn other birds of potential danger or to distract threats away from their nests. They are particularly known for their elaborate displays of pretending to be injured in order to lure predators away from their nests.
The killdeer plover is a ground-nesting bird, constructing shallow depressions lined with pebbles and shells to lay their eggs. Their diet primarily consists of insects, worms, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates, which they forage by probing the ground with their long bills.
With their adaptability to a range of habitats and their remarkable behavior, the killdeer plover is a fascinating species of bird that brings both charm and functional contributions to the ecosystems they inhabit.
Common Misspellings for KILLDEER PLOVER
- jilldeer plover
- milldeer plover
- lilldeer plover
- oilldeer plover
- iilldeer plover
- kulldeer plover
- kjlldeer plover
- kklldeer plover
- kolldeer plover
- k9lldeer plover
- k8lldeer plover
- kikldeer plover
- kipldeer plover
- kioldeer plover
- kilkdeer plover
- kilpdeer plover
- kilodeer plover
- killseer plover
- killxeer plover
Etymology of KILLDEER PLOVER
The word "killdeer" is derived from the Middle English term "kildeare" or "kildeer", which can be further traced back to the Old English words "cilde" and "deor". "Cilde" means "to cry out", and "deor" means "bird" or "animal". This name was given to the bird due to its conspicuous vocalizations, particularly its repeated, piercing call that sounds like "kill-deer". The term "plover" comes from the Old English word "pluvre" and the Latin word "pluvia", both meaning "rain, shower". This name refers to the bird's preference for wet habitats, such as muddy or sandy areas near water bodies, where it feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. Overall, the name "killdeer plover" combines the bird's vocalizations ("killdeer") with its habitat preference ("plover").
