General Description: Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) are medium-sized, short-legged shorebirds that are gray-brown above, white under, and have two black bars across the white front. The forehead is white, and there is a white eyeline. In breeding season, the skin around the eye becomes orange.

In flight, Killdeer show a red rump and a white wing-bar.

Taxonomy: Charadriiformes, Charadriidae, Charadriinae.

Favored Habitat: Shallow marshes and mudflats with islands for resting and breeding.

Where to Find: Around Las Vegas, look for Killdeer at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, the Pahranagat Valley, and the Overton Wildlife Management Area.

Comments: Around Las Vegas, Killdeer nest in flat, open areas such as gravel parking lots and gravel roads. They are very noisy and work hard at leading potential predators (such as people) away from their nest.