NPS Photo Killdeer are common throughout Gateway. They are often found in flat areas, such as parking lots, or the Fort Hancock Parade Ground. Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) are small shorebirds with long tails and wings. They have light brown wings and backs, and white bellies. Adults have two black neck bands.
Found throughout the United States, Central America. Also found in Canada and South America. Birds in the southern United States and Pacific coast do not migrate.
Killdeer nest in open spaces such as lawns, athletic fields, grasslands, or parking lots. They lay their eggs in a shallow depression in dirt or gravel, but add materials later on.
Killdeer use a broken-wing act to lead predators away from their nests. Killdeer eat insects, spiders, and caterpillars. Killdeer are widespread and abundant.
"Killdeer" Audubon Field Guide Killdeer | Audubon Field Guide
"Killdeer" All About Birds The Cornell Lab Killdeer Identification, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
Last updated: October 20, 2021