Killdeer
The Killdeer performs the broken-wing display to distract intruders away from nests and chicks. The broken-wing act used to lead predators from the nest would not keep a cow or horse from stepping on the eggs. To guard against large hoofed animals, the Killdeer uses a quite different display, fluffing itself up, displaying its tail over its head, and running at the beast to attempt to make it change its path.
Both male and female participate in building the nest.
Males give a 'kill-dee' call during courtship flights.
The Killdeer is the largest of the ringed plovers.
The Killdeer is actually a proficient swimmer. Adults swim well in swift-flowing water, and chicks can swim across small streams.