General

Killdeer: Large banded plover with brown upperparts and white underparts, and two distinct black bands cross the upper breast. White stripes on wings are visible in flight. Tail and rump show rust-brown in flight. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has single breast band.

Range and Habitat

Killdeer: Breeds from Alaska east to Newfoundland and southward. Spends winters north to British Columbia, Utah, the Ohio Valley, and Massachusetts; also found in South America. Preferred habitats include open areas such as plowed fields, golf courses, and short-grass prairies.

Breeding and Nesting

Killdeer: Three to five buff eggs with brown markings are laid in a shallow ground depression lined with grass, often in gravelly areas. Incubation ranges from 24 to 28 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Killdeer: Diet consists of various aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, mostly insects; also eats berries; forages on the ground.

Vocalization

Killdeer: Emits a loud cry "kill-dee" or "kill-deear" or "kill-deeah-dee-dee"." Also makes a long, trilled "trrrrr" during display or when young are threatened.

Similar Species

Killdeer: Semipalmated Plover is smaller and has a single breast band. Wilson's Plover is smaller, has a single breast band, and plain brown back, rump, and tail.