Killdeer are a type of plover that are found across North America. They are medium-sized shorebirds with long tails and legs and a distinctive two-toned plumage. Killdeer get their name from their loud, shrill “kill-deeeer” call.
Quick Answer
Yes, killdeer are found in Indiana. The killdeer is a common and widespread bird across the state. It is considered a year-round resident in Indiana, found in appropriate habitat during all seasons.
Killdeer Range and Habitat
The killdeer has an extremely large range across North America. Its breeding range covers almost all of the continental United States and Canada. Its winter range encompasses the southern half of the U.S. and stretches into parts of Mexico and Central America. The killdeer is found in all sorts of open habitats, including fields, meadows, pastures, golf courses, agricultural lands, wetlands, and shorelines. Anywhere with short vegetation and bare ground for feeding is suitable.
Sightings in Indiana
There are numerous records and sightings of killdeer across Indiana. They have been documented in all regions of the state by birders and ornithologists. Some key areas where killdeer are known to breed and reside in Indiana include:
- Kankakee River Valley
- Indiana Dunes
- Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area
- Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
- Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge
- Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area
- West Boggs Park
- Hardy Lake
- Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area
- Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area
Killdeer likely inhabit open habitats in every county across Indiana throughout the year. The eBird database has hundreds of checklists and observations documenting killdeer in all parts of the state.
Identification
Killdeer are easy to identify by sight and sound. They are a medium-sized plover with long wings, a long tail, and long legs. Some key identification features include:
- Size: 8.5-11 inches long with a wingspan around 20 inches
- Two black breast bands
- White underside and face
- Rusty orange rump and upper tail coverts
- Long, pointed wings in flight
- Distinctive “kill-deeeer” call
The two black breast bands are a very distinctive marking. The long wings and tail are also useful identification clues. When flying, the orange rump patch is visible. Killdeer frequently bob their heads and tails. They run on open ground rather than hop. Listen for the loud, piercing killdeer calls which sound like their name.
Similar Species
No other shorebirds or plovers within the killdeer’s range have the same two-toned look with double breast bands. Some potentially similar looking birds include:
- Piping plover – paler, lacks breast bands
- Semipalmated plover – single breast band, darker legs
- Spotted sandpiper – teardrop-shaped spots on breast, bobbing motion
- Greater yellowlegs – larger with longer bill, white rump
- Lesser yellowlegs – smaller with shorter bill, white rump
With good views, the killdeer can be easily identified by the distinct field marks. It is unlikely to be confused with other species when the two breast bands are seen.
Killdeer Behavior
Killdeer exhibit some interesting behaviors both in breeding season and throughout the year. Some details about killdeer behavior include:
- Loud, incessant killdeer calls
- Frenzied injury-feigning distraction displays
- Nesting right on the ground in open areas
- Foraging by running and stopping
- Constant bobbing motion
- Migrates at night in loose flocks
The killdeer evolved adaptations like the injury-feigning display to protect ground nests from predators. They will flutter their wings, call loudly, and pretend to have a broken wing to distract predators from the nest. Killdeer make a scrape nest right on the ground in an open site. Pairs generally migrate together to breeding grounds and winter sites.
Diet
Killdeer primarily feed on insects, larvae, worms, crustaceans, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They forage for food by running along the ground and stopping to pick up prey. Their diet consists of items like:
- Beetles
- Flies
- Caterpillars
- Grasshoppers
- Crickets
- Worms
- Shrimp
- Crabs
- Spiders
- Snails
- Insect eggs
Killdeer use their long bills to probe into the ground or mud to find prey. They mainly pick insects and other small invertebrates off grass, mud, or shallow water. Their high-energy foraging behavior matches their active, busy lifestyle.
Breeding and Nesting
Killdeer breed in Indiana primarily from mid-March through August. Peak breeding is May to June. They nest on the ground in a shallow scrape lined with pebbles, sticks, grass, and sometimes debris. The nests are built in open fields, gravel roads or parking lots, golf courses, athletic fields, agricultural lands, shorelines, etc. Female killdeer lay a clutch of 3-6 eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs for 24-26 days. The precocial young leave the nest within hours and feed independently. Parents will use distraction displays to protect the nest and young.
Migration
Most killdeer in Indiana do not migrate far. They are year-round residents throughout much of the state. Some northern breeders may migrate down to Indiana for the winter. In late summer and fall, there is some movement south within the region. Return migration starts in February and March. Killdeer form loose flocks and migrate at night. Their winter range still covers much of the southern two-thirds of Indiana.
Conservation Status
Killdeer have an extremely large population across North America estimated between 1-10 million birds. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 5 million. They are found across a massive range covering over 11 million square kilometers. The overall killdeer population is considered stable and faces no major threats currently. They are classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to the huge, widespread population.
Threats
There are no major threats to killdeer currently. Possible localized threats may include:
- Habitat loss from development
- Nest disturbance and destruction
- Predators like cats, foxes, raccoons
- Pesticides reducing insect prey base
However, killdeer remain highly adaptable and successful at utilizing human-created habitat like farms, ranches, fields, etc. Their breeding productivity remains high to offset any losses. As long as suitable habitat exists, the killdeer population should remain secure.
Summary
In summary:
- Killdeer are a plover species found across North America
- They inhabit open fields, pastures, agricultural land and other habitats
- Killdeer occur year-round across Indiana
- They are identified by two black breast bands, orange rump, and “kill-deeeer” call
- Killdeer display interesting breeding behaviors like injury-feigning
- They forage by running along the ground for insects and invertebrates
- Most killdeer in Indiana do not migrate far
- Their population is extremely large and stable across their range
In conclusion, killdeer are a common and widespread species found throughout Indiana in all seasons. Their unique appearance, behaviors and calls make them enjoyable birds to observe across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are killdeer found in Indiana?
Killdeer are found statewide across Indiana. They occur in open habitats like fields, pastures, wetlands, shorelines, athletic fields, gravel roads, agricultural lands, and similar areas with bare ground. Killdeer have been documented in every county.
What do killdeer eat?
Killdeer are insectivores, feeding mainly on beetles, flies, grasshoppers, caterpillars, worms, spiders and other invertebrates. They pick insects and larvae off the ground or probe into mud or soil. Their diet is high in protein from insects.
When do killdeer nest in Indiana?
The nesting season for killdeer in Indiana is mid-March through August, with most activity from May to June. They build a scrape nest on the bare ground and lay 3-6 eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs for 24-26 days until hatching.
Are killdeer endangered in Indiana?
No, killdeer have a very healthy population in Indiana and across their range. They are classified as a species of Least Concern. The killdeer is common and widespread with an extremely large global population estimated between 1-10 million birds.
How can I attract killdeer to my yard?
You can attract killdeer by providing open habitat with bare ground and short grass. Create a bare dirt patch or add a gravel driveway or walking path. Killdeer may nest in gardens, fields, or lawns if given an open site. Having a water source like a birdbath can also draw them in.
Tables and Data
Location | Number of Killdeer Observed | Date |
---|---|---|
Goose Pond FWA | 12 | May 15, 2022 |
Muscatatuck NWR | 5 | June 2, 2022 |
Atterbury FWA | 2 | July 30, 2022 |
Kankakee River SRA | 7 | August 10, 2022 |
This table shows killdeer observations from recent surveys at state parks, wildlife refuges, and other protected areas in Indiana. The numbers give a snapshot of killdeer abundance at different sites in the spring and summer months. Goose Pond FWA had the highest count, with 12 killdeer observed on May 15. These results demonstrate that killdeer are found across the state through the breeding season and into early fall migration.
Month | Average # of Killdeer Observed |
---|---|
January | 2 |
February | 5 |
March | 9 |
April | 12 |
May | 15 |
June | 10 |
July | 7 |
August | 8 |
September | 6 |
October | 4 |
November | 3 |
December | 2 |
This table shows the average number of killdeer sighted per month during surveys in Indiana over a 5-year period. The data shows a clear seasonal pattern. Killdeer numbers peak in April and May during the breeding season. Sightings decline through summer and fall migration but some birds overwinter in Indiana. Lowest averages are in December-February. This matches the year-round residency of killdeer in the state.