Identification - The Killdeer is about the size of a robin. The two black breast bands and the rusty-orange rump are the best field marks. It has brown upperparts and white underparts. Sexes are similar in appearance.
Morsels - The Killdeer, like some other ground nesting birds, goes into a distraction display when you approach its nest. Rather than hiding or covering the nest, as do some birds, the Killdeer purposefully draws attention away from the nest by feigning an injury such as a broken wing. It spreads its wing and tail and, while dragging them, calls loudly and slowly flutters away from the nest.