Killdeer
Image: Nils d'Aulaire (cc-by-nc)
NameKilldeer
Common NameKilldeer
Scientific NameCharadrius vociferus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)47
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)90
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are brownish-gray, underparts are white. It features two prominent black bands across its white breast. The head has a white forehead with a black band, a white collar, and a black stripe extending from the bill through the eye. In flight, a rufous-orange rump and white wing stripes are visible.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, piercing, and often repeated 'kill-deer' call, which gives the bird its name. It also produces a variety of alarm calls and trills.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, agricultural land, urban, shoreline, open fields
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North and South America, breeding from Alaska and Canada south through the United States and Mexico, and wintering as far south as northern South America.
Identifying FeaturesDouble black breast bands, Loud 'kill-deer' call, Broken-wing display, Long legs, Rufous-orange rump (visible in flight)
Description
The Killdeer is a medium-sized plover easily recognized by its distinctive double black breast bands. It is a common sight in open areas across North America, known for its loud vocalizations and 'broken-wing' distraction display to lure predators away from its nest.
