Killdeer Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Killdeer have the characteristic large, round head, large eye, and short bill of all plovers. They are especially slender and lanky, with a long, pointed tail and long wings.

  Relative Size

  Similar in size to American Robin, but with longer legs and wings.

  robin-sized

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 7.9-11.0 in (20-28 cm)
    • Weight: 2.6-4.5 oz (75-128 g)
    • Wingspan: 18.1-18.9 in (46-48 cm)

  © Davey Walters / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Brownish-tan on top and white below. The white chest is barred with two black bands, and the brown face is marked with black and white patches. The bright orange-buff rump is conspicuous in flight.

• Behavior

  Killdeer spend their time walking along the ground or running ahead a few steps, stopping to look around, and running on again. When disturbed they break into flight and circle overhead, calling repeatedly. Their flight is rapid, with stiff, intermittent wingbeats.
• Habitat

  Look for Killdeer on open ground with low vegetation (or no vegetation at all), including lawns, golf courses, driveways, parking lots, and gravel-covered roofs, as well as pastures, fields, sandbars and mudflats. This species is one of the least water-associated of all shorebirds.