Killdeer Charadrius vociferus

All The Birds Of North America: Killdeer Charadrius vociferus

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Comfortably adapted to life in almost every part of North America, the Killdeer is often heard' crying out its name, kill-deer, kill-deer, in a long series of constantly repeated phrases. Killdeers make a nest in a shallow depression in the ground. They often nest in pastures, where chicks are vulnerable to the heavy footfalls of wandering livestock; to protect its young, a Killdeer may fly up suddenly into the face of an intruding cow.

Identification 9-11". Robin-size. Grayish brown above, white below, with 2 distinct black breast bands; rufous rump and tail conspicuous in flight. Bill thin, black.

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Voice A shrill, ringing kill-deeeer, kill-deeeer, repeated continuously; also a shorter dee, dee, dee.

Habitat Fields, pastures, mud flats, beaches, and other open areas near water.

Range Breeds from central Alaska and Newfoundland south to Mexico and Florida. Northern populations move to southern part of breeding range in winter; southern birds nonmigratory.