BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
229 
Plate XXXIX. 
OXYECHUS VOCIFEEUS, (Lii^n.) Eeich. 
Killdeer. 
The above species is one of the most abundant, the most widely dis- 
tributed, as well as the best known of all our Plovers. It is a denizen of 
the whole of temperate North America, where suitable localities abound, 
and, unlike the most of its kin, breeds pretty generally in the United 
States. Throughout the Missouri region, and even as far west as Salt 
Lake, Utah, it has been observed by parties connected with the different 
exploring expeditions of the National Government. It is found in the 
West Indies, and in the fall extends its migrations into Central and South 
America, where it passes the winter. These journeys are chiefly performed 
at night, not quietly, however, but with considerable clamor. In the time 
of Wilson it never entirely deserted the United States during the season 
of snow and ice, but retired to the seashore, where it managed to eke out 
an existence. No sooner had the rivers been released from their icy fetters 
than their shrill cries would he heard as they wended their way high over- 
head, or nestled among the partially submerged meadows that lined their 
banks. This was mainly the case in the South Atlantic States, where, 
amid the rice-fields they were to be seen in February and March. 
With the return of mild weather our Southern friends, having their 
ranks possibly swollen by fresh accessions from sunnier climes, diffuse 
themselves over the higher latitudes. "While some remain in the vicinity 
of the sea., and establish their homes in dry, sandy fields, the majorit}*, as 
though tired of its wearisome monotone, strike for the interior, and lay 
claim to a piece of newly ploughed ground, or to some low stretch of 
