Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)

DESCRIPTION: L=10.5" (27cm). Sexes similar. Double bands across chest is distinctive. Rufous rump visible in flight and displays. Call is loud "kill-deer", thus its name.
NATURAL HISTORY: Killdeer are plovers, a type of shorebird, but in addition to being found around water, they can be seen in our parks and playing fields. They eat mostly insects and other invertebrates. They nest on open ground, often in gravel, and will pretend to have a broken wing to lure potential threats away from their nests.