killdeer

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: kill=deer

CIDE DICTIONARY

killdeer, n. [So named from its notes.].

 A small American plover (Charadrius vociferus, formerly Ægialitis vocifera) of inland waters and fields having a distinctive cry. The adult has two black bands around the neck and upper breast, but the young chick has only the breast band. It ranges from Canada to Mexico and the West Indies.  [1913 Webster]
" It is dark grayish brown above; the rump and upper tail coverts are yellowish rufous; the belly, throat, and a line over the eyes, white; a ring round the neck and band across the breast, black."  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

killdeer, n. a large American plover, Charadrius vociferus, with a plaintive song.

Etymology

imit.