Killdeer
NameKilldeer
Common NameKilldeer
Scientific NameCharadrius vociferus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)47
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)97.5
Plumage DetailsAdults have a brown back, white belly, and two distinct black bands across the chest. Their head features a white forehead with a black band above it, and a rufous-orange rump is visible during flight. Chicks are downy, mottled brown and white, typically with a single black breast band.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, high-pitched, and often repeated 'kill-deer' or 'dee-dee-dee' call, which gives the bird its name. They also produce various alarm calls and territorial vocalizations.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, agricultural land, wetland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Killdeer breeds across most of North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the United States and Mexico. It winters from the southern United States south to northern South America, with some populations being resident year-round.
Identifying Featurestwo black breast bands, loud 'kill-deer' call, broken-wing display, long legs, rufous rump (in flight)
Description
The Killdeer is a medium-sized plover easily recognized by its two prominent black breast bands and loud, piercing call. These birds are often found in open fields and lawns, where they are known for their 'broken-wing' display to lure predators away from their ground nests.
