- Tom Grey. Used with permission.
- Seaching for a meal.
Killdeer are “true” shorebirds although they range far from shores. They have some of the most common characteristics of these birds such as long legs and a long bill, but unlike many wading birds, Killdeer have short necks.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
Breeding: throughout North America from western Alaska through northern Chile. Year-round: southern.US. Northern populations migrate north in summer and south in winter and may also migrate to parts of Western Europe
- Amazing Facts
The common name, Killdeer, comes from the noise these birds make when alarmed—a distinct kill-deer cry. Their scientific species name, vociferous, is Latin for noisy. About two days before hatching, Killdeer chicks start making soft audible peeps. Some scientists believe that this may result in hatching of all the eggs at the same time.
- At the Aquarium
Our Killdeer inhabits our Shorebird Sanctuary. It was bred at Monterey Bay Aquarium and donated to us.