KILLDEER 
273. Oxyechus vociferus. 10 in. 
No hind toe. Rump and base of tail reddish-brown; 
breast crossed by two black bands. Like the Spotted 
Sandpiper, this bird is locally and abundantly distrib- 
uted throughout: the United States and Southern Can- 
ada; it is, however, rare in New England, where it is 
sometimes found in the Fall. It frequents meadows, 
fields and ploughed ground, where it feeds upon insects, 
and around the edges of pools and streams where it gets 
small shellfish and larve. As usual, they will attempt 
to lead an intruder away from their nest by feigning 
lameness. 
Notes.—A loud, noisy and incessant “ killdee.” 
Nest.—A slight hollow in the ground, usually in a j 
clump of weeds; sometimes lined and sometimes not; § 
the four eggs are greenish-buff, heavily blotched with 
black. 
Range.—Breeds locally throughout United States, ex- 
cept New England, and southern Canada; winters in 
southern U. 8. 
