Killdeer are wading plovers, common in water areas throughout North America. They can be found in the northern parts during the summer, in the southern parts year round, around open areas like sandbars, mudflats, and grazed fields. They are shy and known to run away quickly, eventually flying away. They will also do this to distract predators from their nesting sights, calling loudly before running away. This plover is known to fake a broken wing to lure predators away from a nest, as well. Killdeer feed on various bugs like beetles, grasshoppers, larvae, spiders, snails, and crayfish. They stir up insect prey by running on the ground in spurts, while stopping just as fast to check their progress. Learn more: BIRDS BY THE WATER