ExploreBirds

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

The Killdeer is a fun bird with a loud call! They have long legs and a beautiful brown and white body. You can often find them near water or open fields.

Habitat: Open fields, shores, and gravel areas.

Appearance

The Killdeer is a medium-sized shorebird with a brown back, white belly, and two distinct black bands across its chest. Its striking features include large, dark eyes with a red eye-ring, a short bill, and rufous-orange on its rump visible in flight.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyCharadriidaeGenusCharadrius
Killdeer
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Killdeer

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

207

Interesting facts

Both parents take turns sitting on the nest, sharing incubation duties!

Killdeer eggs are pointed at one end, so they roll in a tight circle!

They often "dance" on the ground to stir up worms for a tasty snack!

They sometimes nest on rooftops, protecting eggs from ground predators!

Special abilities

Ability

Broken-Wing Display

Killdeer can pretend to have a broken wing because it distracts predators away from their hidden nests and chicks.

Ability

Master of Camouflage

Killdeer has speckled eggs and downy chicks that blend perfectly with gravel and dirt, helping them hide from hungry eyes.

Ability

Alarm Cry

Killdeer can make loud, distinctive 'kill-deer!' calls that warn other birds and animals of approaching danger.

Measurements & details

Length
20-28 cm
Wingspan
46-48 cm
Weight
0.075-0.12 kg
Lifespan
3-10 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
22-28 days
Migration Distance
2500 km

Diet & Feeding

Killdeer primarily feast on insects and other small invertebrates found on the ground.

Primary Foods

  • earthworms
  • beetles
  • grasshoppers
  • caterpillars
  • snails
  • spiders

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Killdeer Plover

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and never try to touch or catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Killdeer?

The easiest way to identify Killdeer is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Killdeer?

20-28 cm

What is Killdeer's wingspan?

46-48 cm

How much does Killdeer weigh?

0.075-0.12 kg

How long does Killdeer live?

3-10 years

How fast can Killdeer move?

70 km/h

What does Killdeer eat?

Killdeer primarily feast on insects and other small invertebrates found on the ground.

Where is Killdeer usually found?

Open fields, shores, and gravel areas.

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens place preview
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Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens

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Maryland, US

Herring Run Park

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Cosley Zoo

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Derryfield Park place preview
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New Hampshire, US

Derryfield Park

Hiking, Family Friendly, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Historical Site, Playground, Sports Facilities, Dog Friendly, Cross Country Running, Wheelchair Accessible

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Fort Monroe National Monument place preview
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Virginia, US

Fort Monroe National Monument

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Virginia, US

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