One bird that makes its nest in gravel is the killdeer (Charadrius vociferus). The killdeer is a small bird belonging to the family Charadriidae, which is part of the order Charadriiformes. It is known for its distinctive call, which sounds like “kill-dee, kill-dee.”
The nest of a killdeer is a simple scrape on the ground lined with vegetation and white material, such as pebbles or seashell fragments. This lining helps provide camouflage and protection for the eggs. The killdeer typically lays a clutch of four to six eggs, which are buff to beige in color and have dark markings.
I have personally observed killdeer nests in gravelly areas, such as riverbanks or gravel parking lots. These birds seem to prefer areas with loose gravel or small rocks, as it provides a suitable substrate for their nest.
The choice of a gravel nest may be advantageous for the killdeer for several reasons. Firstly, the gravel provides a stable surface for the nest, ensuring that the eggs are not easily dislodged or damaged. Additionally, the light-colored gravel may blend in with the bird’s plumage, offering some level of camouflage and protection from predators.
It is interesting to note that killdeer are ground-nesting birds, meaning they do not build elaborate nests in trees or shrubs like some other bird species. Instead, they rely on the natural environment, such as gravel or other suitable materials, to create their nest.
The killdeer is a bird that makes its nest in gravel. The nest is a simple scrape lined with vegetation and white material, and the bird lays a clutch of four to six eggs. The choice of a gravel nest may provide stability and camouflage for the eggs, making it a suitable nesting substrate for the killdeer.