KilldeerCharadrius vociferusWhere and when to see them

The Killdeer is a widespread North American plover known for its ringing calls and two black breast bands. Unlike many shorebirds, it regularly lives and feeds well away from water. Along the Columbia River, it occurs on open shorelines, gravel bars, nearby fields, and other sparsely vegetated ground. Its brown upperparts blend with gravel and soil, while its white underparts and bold markings make it distinctive at closer range. The species is especially familiar for the distraction displays adults use to draw predators away from their nests and young.

Size

20–28 cm (8–11 in) long, with a wingspan of 46–48 cm (18–19 in).

Weight

75–128 g (2.6–4.5 oz).

Lifespan

Can live at least 10 years in the wild, although many individuals live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Killdeer typically forage by running a short distance, stopping, and watching for prey. They are alert birds that often call loudly when disturbed or while flying. Breeding pairs defend territories and nest in shallow scrapes on the ground. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the chicks after hatching. The chicks leave the nest soon after hatching and feed themselves while their parents provide protection and brooding. An adult may feign a broken wing to lure a potential predator away from eggs or chicks. Outside the breeding season, Killdeer may gather in loose groups at suitable feeding and roosting sites. Migration varies geographically, with some birds remaining year-round in milder areas and others moving south for winter.

• Its common name imitates its loud, distinctive call.
• The scientific name vociferus refers to its noisy voice.
• Killdeer sometimes nest on flat gravel rooftops.
• Newly hatched chicks are down-covered and able to walk.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

Killdeer favor open ground with short vegetation or exposed soil, sand, mud, and gravel. Along the Columbia River, suitable habitat includes gravel bars, exposed banks, reservoir margins, and open land near wetlands. They also use pastures, agricultural fields, playing fields, and gravel lots. Nest sites are usually on relatively dry, open ground with good visibility. Seasonal water levels influence which shoreline feeding areas are available, and rising water can flood low-lying nests.

Killdeer eat mainly invertebrates picked from the ground or shallow water. Their prey includes beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, fly larvae, earthworms, and other small animals. They locate much of their food by sight rather than probing deeply into mud. Small amounts of seeds and other plant material are also taken.

Common name

Killdeer

Scientific name

Charadrius vociferus

Animal group

Birds

Size

20–28 cm (8–11 in) long, with a wingspan of 46–48 cm (18–19 in).

Weight

75–128 g (2.6–4.5 oz).

Lifespan

Can live at least 10 years in the wild, although many individuals live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Look for a slender brown-and-white plover with two bold black bands across the white breast. Adults have a brown crown, white forehead and eyebrow, dark facial markings, and a thin red-orange eye ring. In flight or during distraction displays, the orange-rufous rump and upper tail are conspicuous. Its loud, repeated kill-deer call is a useful clue, while young chicks show only one breast band.