Why would a bird pretend to be hurt? Meet the clever killdeer—a ground-nesting bird with amazing tricks to protect its eggs! Discover how it uses camouflage, fake injuries, and even scent-hiding strategies. Plus, learn what the Bible says about truth and being genuine.

Here’s our trail map:

• What Is a Killdeer?
• Why Would a Bird Build a Nest on the Ground?
• What Is the Killdeer’s Broken Wing Act?
• Why Does a Killdeer Chick Leave Its Nest Right Away?
• How Can We Recognize Tricks From Truth?

Episode Links:

• Explore the Answers Bible Curriculum by Answers in Genesis: AnswersBookstore.com/bible
• Explore Apologia’s Live Classes: https://www.apologia.com/live-classes
• Explore Apologia’s Self-paced Classes: https://www.apologia.com/self-paced
• Explore Apologia’s award-winning science curriculum for grades k-12: https://www.apologia.com/subject/science/
• Order Eryn’s book: The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891
• Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos
• Get full lesson guides in  the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club
• Free Killdeer Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/killdeer-bird-facts/
• Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask
• Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body.” Ephesians 4:25 (NCV)

“Your love must be real (genuine). Hate what is evil, and hold on to what is good.” Romans 12:9 (NCV)

“But people who are evil and cheat others will go from bad to worse. They will fool others, but they will also be fooling themselves. But you should continue following the teachings you learned. You know they are true, because you trust those who taught you.” 2 Timothy 3:13-14 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

• Plover: A category of small to medium-sized birds that live near water, like beaches, lakes, and muddy fields. They have short beaks and long legs, and they like to run, stop, and peck at the ground to find food like insects and worms. 
• Killdeer: The killdeer is a plover that grows about 9-11 inches long with brown backs, white bellies, and two black stripes across their chest. Their eyes are bright red or orange.
• Ground Nester: A type of bird that makes its nest on the ground instead of in trees or bushes. They lay their eggs right on the dirt, grass, or rocks, and their eggs usually blend in so they don’t get noticed by other animals.
• Egg Incubation: When a bird sits on its eggs to keep them warm and safe until the baby birds are ready to hatch. The bird uses its body to keep the eggs cozy, and sometimes it gently turns the eggs with its beak or feet. Turning the eggs helps keep the baby birds growing inside healthy and warm, with all the nutrients it needs to grow into a baby bird.
• Preening Oil: Special oil that birds make to keep their feathers clean, smooth, and waterproof.
• Olfactory Camouflage: A design in some creatures allowing them to change or hide their scent or smell to blend in with their surroundings.
• Precocial: Birds and other animals that are born or hatched ready to walk, run, and find food right away.
• Brooding: When a bird sits on its eggs or stays close to its baby birds to keep them warm and safe. The parent bird does this to help the babies grow strong and stay protected.
• Deception: Tricking someone or something by making them believe something that isn’t true.
• Genuine: Being real, honest, and not pretending. If someone is genuine, they really mean what they say or do.

Some resources used for research:

• https://www.audubon.org/news/injury-or-illusion-why-bird-broken-wing-may-not-be-what-it-appears
• A guide to Bird Behavior, Volume II by Donald & Lillian Stokes
• Audubon Nature Encyclopedia, Volume 6
• What It’s Like to Be a Bird, David Allen Sibley

Killdeer Song recording from CornellLab All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Killdeer/sounds

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Mentioned in this episode:

Magnify: A Wild & Wonderful Summer Adventure by Nat Theo

Join us for summer Bible & nature study! https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/magnify