KilLdeer 
CHORLITO COLIRROJO 

Charadrius vociferus

The killdeer is a slender and large plover or shorebird whose length is from 20 to 28 cm (8-11 in) and a wingspan between 59 to 63 cm (23 to 25 in). It is found in regions with an altitude lower than 2600 m (8500 ft) west of the Andean range. It is generally found near lakes, marshes and edges of water. It also inhabits pastures and open fields, lawns, plowing fields, far from water sources. Its upperparts are brownish with rufous fringes. It shows a white collar with a white upper border. It has a white stripe behind the eye, and its lores and the upper borders to the white forehead are black. Red rump, a long brown tail and long brown wings. The chest of the adult bird has two black bands and the rest is white. A similar band is present in its head. Upperparts are light brown. Red eye ring and yellow legs. Its bill is short, thick, and dark. Reddish colored legs. They show a characteristic wing display called ‘Broken wing display or injury feigning’ that is used to distract predators to protect nest and its young. Feeds on insects, grubs, earthworms, snails, and sometimes frogs and seed. The clutch consists of 3-4 eggs that are incubated by both parents for up to 28 days. Two broods per year.

El chorlito colirojo es un ave que mide de 20 a 28 cm y posee alas con envergadura de 59 a 63 cm. Pesa entre 70 a 93 g. Vive en sitios menores de 2600 m de altura en el norte del país y al occidente de los Andes. Se la encuentra cerca o lejos de sitios húmedos. Generalmente en bordes de agua o siguiendo tractors que aran en el campo. Su parte superior presenta un plumaje color café claro con márgenes rufos. Cuello con banda blanca. Presenta una raya blanca detrás del ojo. Frente negra, rabadilla acanelada, cola larga de color café oscuro a negro y patas de tono rojizo. Su pecho es blanco en donde se observa dos bandas negras. Unico chorlo con dos bandas pectorales en Colombia. Una banda negra similar se observa en su cabeza. Sus ojos tienen un anillo ocular rojo. De pico corto, grueso y gris oscuro. Cuando se encuentra amenazada o cuidando sus crías despliega un vuelo en el cual sus alas dan la apariencia de estar quebradas con el fin de distraer a sus enemigos. Se alimenta de gusanos, insectos, lombrices de tierra, caracoles y a veces come come semillas. Pone entre 3 a 4 huevos color castaño que son incubados por el macho y la hembra por entre 25 a 28 días, dos veces al año. 

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Killdeer, Chorlito colirrojo, Charadrius vociferus

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