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.

From Seattle Times

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

From Washington Post

He trained his calf, Fawn, to come when he whistled like a 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