ExploreBird

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

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

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

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

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

eats

earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

An important food source often found by foot-paddling.

eaten by

American crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

Crows often prey on Killdeer eggs and chicks.

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Hawks are common aerial predators of adult Killdeer.

eats

silky ant

Formica fusca

Consumes a variety of ants and other ground-dwelling insects.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.