General Description: Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) are medium-sized, short-legged shorebirds that are gray above, white under, and have two black bars across the white front. In flight, they show a red rump.

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.