Killdeer
Charadius vociferus



Photos by Peter LaTourrette.  North American Birds Photo Gallery
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Field Marks
  • Legs flesh-colored
  • Red eye ring
  • White forehead and white stripe behind eye
  • White collar
  • Brown cap, back and wings
  • White breast and belly
  • Two black breast bands
  • White wing stripe at the bases of the flight feathers is visible in flight
  • Rust-red rump

Habitat

The preferred topographical features range greatly (shorelines, savannas, high altitude regions), with temperature being the critical factor of environment choice.  Killdeer are highly adaptive to climate and environmental variations, and as a consequence, have effectively settled into human altered environments including parks and agricultural zones.

Status

The Killdeer is a permanent resident of the Atlanta area.  It is most often seen near water sources.