Charadrius vociferus
The ubiquitous Killdeer is usually the first shorebird a beginning birdwatcher identifies. Its loud calls seize the attention of those visiting this bird's varied environments. If anyone approaches a Killdeer's nest, this bird will feign injury and fan its bright rusty tail to lure the intruder away from its eggs or young. Although the Killdeer may be the master of deception, several species of ducks and other shorebirds also practice this defense strategy. The common name is an imitation of this bird's call. The scientific name vociferus means 'vocal.' |
I.D.: Sexes similar. Adult: long, dark yellow legs; white breast with 2 black bands; brown back; white underparts; brown head; white eyebrow; tail projects beyond the wing tips; white face patch above the bill; black forehead band; rusty rump. Immature: downy; only 1 breast band. Size: L 9-11 in. (23-28 cm). Range: uncommon to common migrant and summer breeder throughout the Rockies. Habitat: open environments, fields, lakeshores, sandy beaches, mudflats, gravel streambeds, wet meadows and grasslands from the foothills to the subalpine. Nesting: usually on any piece of open ground, including shorelines, beaches, fields and gravel roads; in shallow depression, usually unlined; pair incubates 4 eggs for 28 days; occasionally has 2 broods per season. Feeding: run-stop-and-snatch feeder; mainly eats insects. Voice: loud and distinctive kill-dee kill-dee kill-deer and variations, including deer-deer. Similar Species: Semipalmated Plover: adult is smaller and has only 1 breast band; present only in migration, so it is unlikely to be seen during summer. |
