Killdeer

About This Species

A familiar shorebird with two bold black chest bands, often seen running across open fields, gravel areas, and shorelines.

Named for their call: Killdeer get their name from their loud, distinctive kill-deer call.
Minimal nesters: They often nest on bare gravel or rocky ground with almost no nest material.
Protective parents: Adults may perform a dramatic broken-wing display to lure predators away from their nest or chicks.
Precocial chicks: Killdeer chicks can walk and begin searching for food shortly after hatching.