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Killdeer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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killdeer

[ˈkɪlˌdɪər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

bird

A large plover of North America with two black bands around its neck and a loud voice.

Synonyms

Charadrius vociferus, plover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
killdeer

Typically used in everyday language or informal discussions to refer to the specific bird known for its plover-like appearance and distinctive call.

  • I saw a killdeer by the lake this morning.
  • The killdeer is known for pretending to have a broken wing to lure predators away from its nest.
plover

Often used when discussing the broader family of birds to which the killdeer belongs. It can be used in both casual and scientific conversations when talking about similar species.

  • Plovers are known for their distinctive running behavior along the shorelines.
  • The killdeer is a type of plover that you can easily recognize by its call.
Charadrius vociferus

Used in scientific or more formal contexts, especially in ornithology or when referring to the species in a detailed or technical manner.

  • Charadrius vociferus is a common species found across North America.
  • In the study, Charadrius vociferus exhibited interesting nesting behaviors.

Examples of usage

  • We spotted a killdeer nesting in the field.
  • The killdeer's distinctive call echoed across the marshland.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Habitat

  • These birds are commonly found in open fields, shorelines, and even parking lots, showcasing their adaptability.
  • They prefer habitats that have short grass where they can easily spot predators.
  • Killdeers often build their nests directly on the ground, relying on their camouflage to protect their eggs.

Behavior

  • To protect their nests, they engage in a behavior called 'broken-wing display,' acting as if they're hurt to lure threats away.
  • Killdeers are known for their feisty nature, often confronting much larger animals when defending their territory.
  • They have a unique feeding behavior, often running quickly and then stopping to look for insects and small invertebrates.

Pop Culture

  • Killdeers have been featured in various children's books and educational programs that teach about wildlife.
  • Their distinctive call has made them a recognizable bird for bird watchers and nature lovers alike.
  • Some songs and folk tales reference the killdeer as a symbol of cleverness for its protective behaviors.

Conservation

  • As a species, they're not currently endangered, but habitat loss has impacted their nesting areas.
  • In urban settings, killdeers often adapt well to human activity, showcasing resilience against environmental changes.
  • Conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats to ensure a healthy population for future generations.

Origin of 'killdeer'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'killdeer' comes from its distinctive call, which sounds like it's saying 'kill-deer.'
  • Originally, the bird was called 'killdee' in the 18th century, a version of its current name.
  • Interestingly, the 'killdeer' got its name from English settlers who mimicked its sound.

The name 'killdeer' is thought to have originated from the bird's distinctive call, which sounds like 'kill-deer'. Killdeers are known for their unique behavior of feigning injury to lead predators away from their nest, a trait that has evolved as a protective mechanism for their offspring. These birds are commonly found in open fields, meadows, and shorelines across North America.

See also: kill, killer, killing, killjoy, overkill.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,455, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.