Birding/Identification

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Expert: - 5/22/2008


Question

What is this bird?
This bird seems to be very common in NC, where I am fairly new to. I have done some research and can not figure out what it is! One has built a nest on the ground in my backyard and has laid 4 eggs. I have a pretty large dog that unfortunately we have to let out from time to time...at this stage he really hasn't noticed the eggs, but I fear that he will definitely notice when they have hatched, the mamma bird is already very stressed out. Can you give me any advise on what I should do with the birds when they hatch? If you look closely in the bottom right corner of the attached image you can see her 4 eggs.

Answer
This is a Killdeer, common all over the US. You should not do anything with the birds when they hatch. If you move them, the mother might abandon them. You should really try to control your dog when you let him out until the mother and young move on. Thanks for your concern.

Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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