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Presidio of San FranciscoLupines in Lobos valley
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Presidio of San Francisco
Killdeer
(Charadrius vociferus)
 
Killdeer
Will Elder, NPS
Killdeer at the beach at Crissy Field.
 

Natural History: The Killdeer forages by running, stopping, and lunging at insects and other invertebrates. It is especially fond of feeding on grasshoppers and beetles. It is monogamous by nature and nests solitarily from February to August in ground depressions. This species tends to vigorously defend its nests.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in areas of ponds, tidal sand areas, and upland rock areas. These are the areas where they tend to breed.

Frequency: This species is common year round.

Identifying Characteristics: the Killdeer is distinguished by a golden-red rump and two black bands across its breast. This species has a tendency to be noisy, especially in flight.

Presidio Birds main page

Albert Sidney Johnston  

Did You Know?
Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, commander of the Pacific branch of the army, prepared the defenses of the San Francisco Bay and ordered the first garrison of Fort Point. Kentucky-born Johnston then resigned his commission to join the Confederate Army; he was killed at the battle of Shiloh in 1862.

Last Updated: February 23, 2008 at 17:35 EST