Bird · GBIF taxon 2480320
Killdeer
Charadrius vociferusAlso known as Noisy Plover, Chattering Plover
Killdeer are loud, active plovers famous for nesting on gravel patches, open fields, and lawns rather than coastal shorelines. When a threat approaches their ground nest, adults perform an elaborate broken-wing display, feigning a grave injury while calling distressfully to draw intruders away from camouflaged eggs. Their double black breast bands and bright reddish-orange rump patches make them easy to recognize on the ground and in flight.
Ground-NestingShorebirdVocal
Licensed reference(c) Eugene Zelenko, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Earthworms
- Beetles
Predators
- Domestic Cats
- Coyotes
- Raptors
ThreatsMowing operations, vehicle traffic, domestic pets, and nest trampling
HabitatsFields, lawns, mudflats, gravel shores, and rooftops
Life span3–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCharadriidae
- SpeciesCharadrius vociferus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for two dark bands across a white chest and a orange-rufous patch visible on the lower back in flight.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a respectful distance during breeding season, watching where you walk in gravelly or sparse open areas.
Responsible observation
- Watch your step: Look carefully when walking in gravelly areas or pastures during spring to avoid stepping on hidden eggs.
- Give space when feigning injury: Back off immediately if an adult begins a broken-wing display to avoid stressing the parent.
- Leash pets: Keep dogs on a leash near open grassy fields to prevent nest destruction.
Close Relative (c) Gregory Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative 
Close Relative Mdf derivative work: User:Tmv23 (talk) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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