Bird Species
Killdeer
While they may look innocent, killdeer birds are cunning creatures, capable of using strategic deception, such as feigning a broken wing, to protect their nests and young. Killdeer use this tactic to draw predator attention towards them and away from their nest, before flying off once they are far enough that the predator is no longer a threat to their young.
Understand the Problem
Issues Caused By Killdeer
- As killdeer use gravel to create nests, they are attracted to built-up rooftops with gravel. Their presence can lead to roof damage or trapped chicks.
- Bird strikes at airports given their habitat preferences (i.e., open grass areas adjacent to paved surfaces)
Solutions
How to Manage Issues
with Killdeer
- Harassment of birds on rooftops or at airports with lasers
Diverse Range of Species
Learn More About the Species
Appearance
The Killdeer is a small tan and white shorebird. It has red eyes, two black neck rings, black facial markings, and a rusty red tail. Young are camouflaged to blend in with gravel.
Behavior
Killdeer stay primarily on the ground, foraging for food. They are often seen trotting quickly along walkways and in parking lots, stopping often to stand tall and look for predators. To draw potential threats away from their nest or young, killdeer will place themselves in front of the threat and pretend to be injured, making noise and dragging a wing. Once the threat is far enough from their young, they will fly away.
Diet
Killdeer feed primarily on insects and small crustaceans, though they have been known to also take small frogs and fish when the opportunity arises.
Habitat
Killdeer prefer open areas, especially along sand, gravel, or paved areas. They are very common along shorelines and in urban areas in parking lots, mown fields, and on gravel rooftops.
Nesting
Killdeer nest on the ground as well as on flat gravel rooftops, using camouflage and their injury act to protect their nest and young. Between 4-6 speckled eggs are laid in a shallow bowl scraped out of gravel or sandy soil. They then add small, light-colored pebbles or sticks to the edge.
Migration
Killdeer are medium distance migrants in the northern part of their range, but year-round residents in the southern half. The cutoff occurs around central Illinois and Indiana.
Protected Status
Yes, protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the US.
Sources: The Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology bird guide, Humane Society of the United States, Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, Nest Watch