July 12, 2024: Killdeers are medium-sized shorebirds. Killdeer parents protect their chicks through open-area nesting, camouflage, broken-wing displays, vigilant alarms, direct protection, and guiding them to safer feeding areas, enhancing their survival chances. This Killdeer chick was recently seen while foraging at the Crane Wildlife Management Area off of Rt. 151.

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) parents have several strategies to protect and watch over their chicks:

1. Nesting Habits: Killdeer often nest on the ground in open areas with minimal vegetation, which allows them to keep a clear view of potential threats.

2. Camouflage: The eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged with their surroundings, making it difficult for predators to spot them.

3. Broken-Wing Display: One of the most well-known behaviors of Killdeer parents is the broken-wing display. When a predator approaches, an adult Killdeer will feign injury, flapping around on the ground as if it has a broken wing, to lure the predator away from the nest or chicks.

4. Vigilance and Alarms: Killdeer are highly vigilant and will give loud, persistent alarm calls when they detect a threat. This alert helps both the chicks and other nearby Killdeer to be aware of danger.

5. Direct Protection: While the chicks are precocial and can move around shortly after hatching, the parents still stay nearby to protect them from predators, often leading them to safer areas if needed.

6. Guiding Chicks: Parents lead their chicks to feeding areas and safer locations, ensuring they are well-fed and less exposed to threats.

By employing these strategies, Killdeer parents effectively enhance the survival chances of their chicks.