Killdeer

23-28 cm (9-11") Very common and widespread. Mudflats, lakes, suburban or rural open ground with short grass or gravel; often found far from water.

Robin-sized plover with dark brown upperparts, white underparts. Only plover with two dark breast-bands or neck-rings. White from throat encircles neck; white forehead; black bill.

Feigns injury near nest to distract intruders.

In flight: shows bright rusty rump, wing bar, long tail.

Song: clear "kill-deah" repeated.

Videos

Images

Credit: Greg Schneider

Distribution Maps

Killdeer distribution map

Killdeer winter distribution map