killdeer

[kil-deer]

noun

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

killdeer

/ ˈkɪlˌdɪə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of killdeer¹

An Americanism dating back to 1725–35; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of killdeer¹

C18: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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Woodpeckers, chickadees, killdeers and hummingbirds are also plentiful.

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