Species spotlight!

Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus, are commonly-spotted shorebirds in North Carolina, but they aren’t only found on the coast. They are year-round residents in every county throughout our state. They prefer open habitats, such as mudflats, grasslands, riverbanks, agricultural fields, and parking lots. This species is known for their bold nesting habit of laying their eggs directly on the ground in open areas. They’re also known for their famous “broken wing act” to distract potential predators from their vulnerable nests or chicks in the open. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in both natural and human-altered landscapes, making them a fascinating species in North Carolina.