Killdeer
Image: zk-natural (cc-by-nc)
NameKilldeer
Common NameKilldeer
Scientific NameCharadrius vociferus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)46
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)97.5
Plumage DetailsBrownish-gray back and wings, white belly, and two prominent black bands across the white chest. It has a white collar, a brown cap, a white forehead, and a black line through the eye. The rump is rufous-orange, visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallA loud, piercing, and often repeated 'kill-deer' or 'dee-dee-dee' call. It also produces a variety of alarm calls and trills.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsopen fields, pastures, lawns, golf courses, agricultural fields, mudflats, shorelines, gravel roads, parking lots
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North America, breeding from Alaska and Canada south through the United States and Mexico, and into parts of Central and South America. Winters in the southern parts of its breeding range and further south.
Identifying FeaturesTwo black breast bands, Loud 'kill-deer' call, Broken-wing display, Long legs, Brown back and white belly, Rufous-orange rump (visible in flight)
Description
The Killdeer is a medium-sized plover easily recognized by its two prominent black breast bands. It is a common sight in open fields and lawns, known for its distinctive call and 'broken-wing' distraction display to lure predators away from its nest.
