Killdeer
NameKilldeer
Common NameKilldeer
Scientific NameCharadrius vociferus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)46
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)90
Plumage DetailsBrownish-gray back and wings, white belly, and two prominent black bands across the white chest. It has a white collar with a black band below it, a white forehead with a black band above it, and a striking red eye-ring.
Vocalization / CallA loud, piercing, and often repeated 'kill-deer' or 'dee-dee-dee' call, especially when disturbed or in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, agricultural fields, golf courses, open fields, shorelines, mudflats, gravel beds
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, red eye-ring, long legs, pointed wings, loud 'kill-deer' call, broken-wing display
Description
The Killdeer is a medium-sized plover easily recognized by its two prominent black breast bands. It is known for its loud, piercing call and its distinctive broken-wing display used to lure predators away from its nest.
