1. a North American plover with a distinctive broken-wing display used to distract predators from its nest

Examples

• The killdeer ran along the gravel road, calling loudly.
• We spotted a killdeer pretending to have a broken wing to lead us away from its nest.
• Killdeers are known for their distinctive ‘kill-deer’ call.
• The killdeer built its nest in the open field near the parking lot.
• During spring migration, killdeers can be seen in muddy fields and shorelines.
• The killdeer’s brown and white plumage helps it blend into its surroundings.