The Killdeer is a common and vocal North American plover known for its two distinctive black breast bands and loud, piercing 'kill-deer' call. It is often found in open fields and lawns, far from traditional shorebird habitats.
Where to spot
Widespread across most of North and Central America, and northern South America. Found in a variety of open habitats like grasslands, pastures, cultivated fields, lawns, and bare ground near water.
How to spot
Easily identified by its two black breast bands and loud, repeated 'kill-deer' call, which gives it its name. Look for its characteristic stop-and-run foraging behavior. Watch for its broken-wing display if you inadvertently approach a nest or chicks.
When to spot
Year-round in much of its range; migrants are seen during spring and autumn. Active throughout the day, often visible foraging in open areas.
Where to spot
Widespread across most of North and Central America, and northern South America. Found in a variety of open habitats like grasslands, pastures, cultivated fields, lawns, and bare ground near water.
How to spot
Easily identified by its two black breast bands and loud, repeated 'kill-deer' call, which gives it its name. Look for its characteristic stop-and-run foraging behavior. Watch for its broken-wing display if you inadvertently approach a nest or chicks.
When to spot
Year-round in much of its range; migrants are seen during spring and autumn. Active throughout the day, often visible foraging in open areas.
Credits:
atlnature
Credits:
atlnature
Credits:
atlnature
Credits:
atlnature
Credits:
atlnature
Credits:
atlnature
The Killdeer is famous for its 'broken-wing' display, a remarkable anti-predator behavior where it pretends to have an injury to lure potential threats away from its nest or hidden chicks.
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