Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

Although the Killdeer is a common shorebird in Missouri, it can be found in nonshore habitats throughout the state. They are common in open graveled areas such as driveways, stream bed islands and even flat, gravel urban rooftops. In forested regions with occasional pastureland, Killdeer will nest in exposed soil around farm ponds, cattle wallows and creek beds. Its "kill deer, kill deer kill deer" call frequently gives away its presence and its distraction display leads the intruder away from its nest of cryptically-colored eggs.

Code Frequency

In 87 percent of blocks this noisy, striking-colored species was recorded. Confirmed evidence was recorded in a surprisingly low 47 percent. Because the camouflaged Eggs: are hard to locate in their scrape nest, 78 percent of confirmations resulted from a distraction display or direct observation of young. Only 16 percent of confirmed records were of nests and Eggs: or young.

Distribution

Reported in a number of blocks scattered throughout the state.

Average Number of Birds / 100 stops

Abundance

Killdeer were about six times more abundant in the open agricultural landscape of the Mississippi Lowlands and the Big Rivers natural divisions than in other regions of the state. About half as many were tallied in the Osage Plains with the remaining three sections averaging 10 birds/100 stops (7.9, 8.3 and 14.8).

Phenology

Most Killdeer return to Missouri in February and March with some overwintering in mild years (Robbins and Easterla 1992). Killdeer sometimes rear two broods, which may account for their extended breeding season.

Breeding Evidence

Reported in 1,042 (86.3%) of 1,207 blocks

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