Killdeer
Image: Ken Clark (cc-by)
NameKilldeer
Common NameKilldeer
Scientific NameCharadrius vociferus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)47
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)98
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are brownish-gray, underparts are white. It features two prominent black bands across its white breast. The rump is rufous-orange, and a white stripe is visible on the wings during flight. The head has a white forehead, a black band across the crown, and a white supercilium.
Vocalization / CallIts most characteristic call is a loud, piercing, and often repeated 'kill-deer' or 'dee-dee-dee'. It also produces a variety of alarm calls and trills.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, agricultural fields, lawns, golf courses, mudflats, shorelines, open country
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, Rufous-orange rump, Long legs, Broken-wing display
Description
The Killdeer is a medium-sized plover known for its distinctive double black breast bands and loud, piercing call. It is often found in open habitats, frequently performing a 'broken-wing' display to distract predators from its nest.
