Killdeer
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54800218" class="extiw" title="d:Q54800218"><span title="Scottish wildlife photographer">Charles J. Sharp</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameKilldeer
Common NameKilldeer
Scientific NameCharadrius vociferus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)54.5
Length (cm)24
Weight (g)97.5
Plumage DetailsThe Killdeer has a brownish-tan back and wings, a pure white belly, and two prominent black bands across its white chest. Its head features a white forehead, a black stripe above the eye, a white supercilium, and a striking red eye-ring. The bill is short and black, and the legs are long and pale.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, piercing, and often repeated call, typically rendered as 'kill-deer' or 'dee-dee-dee'. It also produces a variety of alarm calls and trills.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, agricultural fields, golf courses, parking lots, beaches, mudflats, riverbanks, open areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North and South America, breeding from Alaska and Canada south through the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and into northern South America. Winters in the southern parts of its breeding range and further south.
Identifying FeaturesTwo black breast bands, Red eye-ring, Loud 'kill-deer' call, Broken-wing display behavior, Long legs, Brown back and white belly
Description
The Killdeer is a medium-sized plover known for its distinctive two black breast bands and loud, piercing call. It is often found in open habitats, performing a characteristic 'broken-wing' display to distract predators from its nest.
