Killdeer

Killdeer form strong seasonal pairs, and breeding begins soon after they arrive at their nesting sites, around mid-April.

When forming a pair, the male adopts a low posture, partially spreads his wings, and gives characteristic calls while running in short, jerky bursts. He scrapes several shallow hollows in the ground, often lining them with small pebbles, sometimes in very exposed places. After inspecting these hollows, the female chooses one in which to lay her eggs. This behaviour helps strengthen the pair bond.

The female usually lays four eggs, which both parents incubate for 24 to 28 days. Just a few hours after hatching, the chicks leave the nest. Both parents remain nearby to protect them from predators and warm them beneath their wings when conditions are unfavourable.

Although killdeer do not feed their young directly, their parental care greatly improves the chicks’ chances of surviving until they fledge, at around 20 to 25 days.

Adults often use a distraction display, feigning injury to draw predators or intruders away from the nest or chicks.