Spotlight on Local Ground-Nesting Birds
We're highlighting two ground-nesting bird species that have been spotted right here in Cutler Bay—the black-necked stilt and the killdeer. These bird species are typically observed nesting on District levees and open areas near wetlands and canals.
Their nests, also called scrapes, are naturally protected from predators through camouflaging. Their eggs and scrapes generally blend in with gravel or sandy areas, making them difficult to see or find.
The adult birds will also protect their nests in a variety of ways. Both killdeer and black-necked stilts give dramatic “broken wing dance” displays, pretending they are injured. While they are doing this “dance” they coax intruders to follow them, slowly leading them away from their nest or chicks. Learn more.
