The Killdeer is a common North American shorebird that often makes its home far from the water’s edge in open fields and lawns. Unlike the young of many other bird species, which are born helpless, the Killdeer chick is precocial. This means the young are covered in downy feathers, have open eyes, and possess the remarkable ability to walk, run, and actively find their own food almost immediately after hatching.
The Killdeer Chick’s Natural Diet
The diet of a wild Killdeer chick consists almost entirely of small invertebrates, mirroring the menu of the adult birds but focusing on smaller prey items due to the chick’s size. This protein-rich food source is necessary to fuel their rapid growth and constant activity. The chicks primarily consume insects and other soft-bodied creatures found on the ground surface and just beneath it.
Specific prey includes:
- Earthworms, insect larvae, grasshoppers, and beetles.
- Spiders, snails, millipedes, and centipedes that are small enough to be swallowed whole.
- Killdeer chicks foraging near water sources will also capture aquatic invertebrates such as mosquito larvae, caddis flies, and brine shrimp.
While adult Killdeer may occasionally consume seeds, the chick’s diet is heavily focused on the high-energy protein provided by these invertebrates.
Immediate Foraging and Independence
The precocial nature of the Killdeer chick means they do not receive food directly from their parents. Within hours of hatching, after their downy feathers have dried, the parents lead the brood away from the nest scrape to a suitable feeding territory. This ability to forage immediately is a defining characteristic of their survival strategy.
The chicks learn to find their meals by using a distinctive “run-stop-peck” foraging technique. They run quickly, halt abruptly, and then bob their heads before pecking at the ground to capture an insect or worm they have visually located. The parents’ role is not to feed but to guide, brood, and protect the vulnerable young from predators, often using the well-known “broken-wing display” to distract threats.
Essential Role of Habitat and Water Sources
The habitats chosen by Killdeer parents are directly linked to the availability of the small invertebrates the chicks require. Chicks are often led to open areas with short vegetation, such as grazed fields, golf courses, or disturbed earth, where prey is easier to spot and access.
The presence of moisture is also important for the chick’s diet and hydration. Wet soil environments increase the abundance of soft-bodied prey like earthworms and grubs, making them easier for the chicks to capture. Access to surface water is necessary for drinking, especially in warmer weather, ensuring the chicks can maintain proper hydration while actively foraging.