killdeer

American  

[kil-deer] / ˈkɪlˌdɪər /

noun

1. an American plover, Charadrius vociferus, having two black bands around the upper breast.

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killdeer British  

/ ˈkɪlˌdɪə /

noun

1. a large brown-and-white North American plover, Charadrius vociferus, with two black breast bands and a noisy cry

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Etymology

Origin of killdeer

An Americanism dating back to 1725–35; imitative

Example Sentences

Chimney swift, northern flicker, fish crow, killdeer, Baltimore oriole and gray catbird among them.

From Seattle Times

During a birdwatching stroll last spring, John Bates spotted a newly hatched killdeer chick.

From Washington Post

Mr. Whiskers’ response was to chase off after a worm-hungry killdeer.

From Literature

Birdwatchers can steal a glimpse of the eagles, woodpeckers and killdeers residing around the tranquil ponds of Ponder and Yonder parks.

From Seattle Times

Woodpeckers, chickadees, killdeers and hummingbirds are also plentiful.

From Seattle Times