Killdeer

The Killdeer is a vocal, energetic shorebird that's far more at home in your driveway than on a beach. Named for its piercing 'kill-deer' call, this long-legged plover nests directly on bare gravel, rooftops, and open ground — no nest required, just a shallow scrape in the earth. If you've ever seen a bird dragging its wing and stumbling away from you, you've likely witnessed the Killdeer's legendary broken-wing act, a dramatic performance designed to lure predators away from its nearly invisible eggs. They're year-round residents across much of southern Canada and one of the most entertaining birds to watch on any open patch of ground.

Killdeer are primarily insectivores that hunt beetles, worms, and grubs across open fields and gravel areas. They very rarely visit traditional feeders, but may pick at cracked corn or grains scattered on bare ground. If you spot Killdeer in your area, offering insect-based suet on a low platform is your best chance at attracting one.

Killdeer aren't feeder birds in the traditional sense — they need wide open ground, short grass, or gravel areas. If they frequent your property, try placing a ground tray with a small amount of cracked corn and insect-based suet crumbles on bare earth. Keep the area open and uncluttered, as they avoid dense vegetation.

Killdeer nest directly on bare or gravelly ground — driveways, flat rooftops, and gravel pads are all used. If you have open gravel or bare earth areas on your property, you may already host nesting Killdeer without realizing it. Avoid disturbing flat, open ground from April through July. They're drawn to short-grass fields, gravel shoulders, and recently tilled soil. Leaving part of your property as open, unmowed ground gives them both foraging and nesting opportunities.