Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

KILLDEER.

273. Oxyechus vociferus. 11 inches.

Next to the Spotted Sandpiper this is one of the most commonly known of the shore birds throughout the United States. They are very noisy, continually uttering their note of “Kil-deer—kil-deer,” from which they take their name. Rump and base of tail reddish brown; with a black line across the tail near the end; the two central feathers black to the end, the others white at the end. Breast crossed by two bands of black; a white forehead, and white streak back of the eye.

Nest.—Is placed on the open ground, with a few pieces of grass for lining. The four drab-colored eggs covered with dark brown spots are usually placed in the nest with the small ends in the center (1.50 × 1.10).