Killdeers have a number of creative strategies they employ (i.e. pretending they have a broken wing to lure predators away from their nests), but their tap dancing for a meal has to be one of the most fun to witness. This delightful behavior, also called “foot-pattering” or “foot-trembling,” is a clever technique that plovers and other shorebirds use to find food. By creating vibrations in the mud, they stir up hidden treasures like insects and worms that are hiding just below the surface. 🦗🔍

This Wildlife Wednesday we follow a killdeer family through the stages of nesting and raising young. This bird is known for it's "killdeer" shrill cry and for pretending to be hurt to draw predators away from it's nest and young. Watch this incredible closeup video a killdeer nest as the young start a new life. | Nevada Department of Wildlife