One entry found for killdeer.

Main Entry: kill·deer
Pronunciation: kil-di()r
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural killdeers or killdeer
Etymology: imitation
: a North American plover that is grayish brown on the upper side, has two black bands on its white breast, and has a shrill mournful cry
Word History Killdeers are not vicious birds. They have no special hatred of deer, and they do not eat venison. This attractive, dark-eyed bird has a loud, rather sad cry that to some people sounds like "Kill deer! Kill deer!" So the killdeer is an animal that got its name from human interpretation of its call.

Pronunciation Symbols