Reviewed bird profile
Killdeer
Charadrius vociferus
The Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) is a long-legged plover often found far from beaches. It runs and stops across open ground, shows two black breast bands as an adult, and nests on bare ground where adults may perform a broken-wing distraction display.
Serve
Best foods
- Natural insects and earthworms; supplemental feeding is not recommended
Offer fresh food in small amounts and clean feeding surfaces regularly.
Plant
Useful plants
- Maintain suitable open habitat only where it does not endanger nests
Confirm regional nativity and growing conditions before planting.
Place
Best feeders
- Not a feeder bird
Provide visibility, nearby escape cover, and an easy cleaning routine.
Identify
Field marks
Look for a slender plover with a round head, short bill, long pointed tail, two black breast bands, and orange-buff rump visible in flight. Its repeated kill-deer call and run-stop foraging are useful clues.
Nest
Nesting habits
Shallow ground scrape; commonly using Open gravel, bare soil, fields, flat roofs, and other sparsely vegetated ground. Typical clutch: Typically 4.
Season
Movement
Year-round or migratory depending on region. Migration pattern: Partial migrant; timing and status vary by latitude.
Plan responsibly for Killdeer
Use this profile as a starting point, then confirm local range, seasonality, and species-specific feeding guidance before changing your yard.
View the AOS taxonomy record ↗
Create my local plan →