Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
The Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) is a medium-sized shorebird known for its distinctive vocalizations and striking appearance, characterized by its brown upperparts and white underparts with two black breast bands. Commonly found across North and Central America, this adaptable species thrives in open habitats such as fields and meadows, where it forages for insects and other small invertebrates.
Common Names
| 🇨🇦 | Killdeer |
| 🇫🇷 | Pluvier kildir |
| 🇩🇪 | Keilschwanz-Regenpfeifer |
| 🇲🇽 | Chorlo gritón, Chorlitejo colirrojo |
Taxonomy
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
Characteristics
| Length | 20-28cm |
| Weight | 72-121g |
| Wingspan | 59-63cm |
| Clutch Size | 4-6 eggs |
| Incubation | 22-28 days |
| Fledging | 3-24 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
Explore More
📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.
Identification and Whereabouts
The Killdeer is easily recognizable due to its distinctive appearance. Its upper parts are predominantly brown, while the head features contrasting patches of white and black. The belly and breast are white, accentuated by two black bands.
I first observed this species on an artificially leveled platform near Technopark. However, my subsequent observations and video recordings were conducted in Parc Michel-Chartrand. When exploring breeding grounds, exercise caution to avoid disturbing the habitat.
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | - |
| Parc des Étangs Antoine-Charlebois | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.