Killdeer: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.