Killdeer
NameKilldeer
Common NameKilldeer
Scientific NameCharadrius vociferus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)47
Length (cm)25.5
Weight (g)97.5
Plumage DetailsAdults have a brown back, white belly, and two prominent black bands across the chest. The head is brown with a white forehead and a black stripe through the eye. The rump is rufous-orange, visible in flight. Chicks, like the one pictured, are downy, mottled brown and white, with a single black breast band and a dark eye stripe.
Vocalization / CallA loud, piercing, and often repeated 'kill-deer' or 'dee-dee-dee' call. They also produce a trilling alarm call when disturbed.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsopen fields, grasslands, agricultural areas, golf courses, mudflats, beaches, riverbanks, urban areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North and South America, breeding from Alaska and Canada south through the United States and Mexico, and wintering south to northern South America.
Identifying Featuresdouble black breast bands (adults), loud 'kill-deer' call, broken-wing display, rufous-orange rump (in flight), long legs, large eyes
Description
The Killdeer is a medium-sized plover known for its distinctive double breast bands and loud, piercing call. It is often found in open habitats and is famous for its 'broken-wing' display to lure predators away from its nest. The image shows a downy chick with a single breast band.
