Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Killdeer

crMNWR - Killdeer (2), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Killdeer is a member of the plover family. They are considered to be shorebirds, but are often found far from water, out in grasslands (I have even seen them in the parking lot at my job). When they feel their nest is threatened, they play the "broken wing" act to lure the predator away from the nest. They will walk away, holding one wing down, emitting a call of distress. When they feel the predator is far enough away from their nest, they will fly away.