The Killdeer is London’s most common shorebird. At 26 cm in length, it is a relatively large member of the plover family. The most obvious distinguishing field mark of the adult bird is a pair of black bands across its chest. (The Semipalmated Plover has a similar look and can also be seen in Southwestern Ontario, however it is a smaller bird and it has just one black band across its breast.) Killdeers have a rufous patch of plumage on the rump that may be seen in flight or when it is feigning injury to distract possible predators from a nest. The adult bird’s bright orange orbital rings around its eyes are also striking.  

 

A Killdeer’s primary source of food is insects so the species is useful to many farmers. Because of its diet, the use of insecticides can affect their food supply. They will also eat some other foods such as seeds or even tree frogs if the opportunities present themselves.

 

The Killdeer delights bird enthusiasts because it is one of the first migrants to return to the London area each year. It typically arrives in early March. In the fall, the last of them heads south in November. These birds are year-round residents of the southern U.S. and the Caribbean. Some will also fly into Central America and northern Colombia and Venezuela to overwinter.