Charadrius vociferus, commonly known as the Killdeer, is native to the Americas. It is primarily found across North America, including Canada, the United States, and parts of Mexico. Its range also extends into Central America and the Caribbean, with some populations reaching northern parts of South America during migration.

The Killdeer typically inhabits open areas with sparse vegetation. It prefers environments such as fields, grasslands, mudflats, shores, and riverbanks. The species is highly adaptable and can also be found in agricultural fields, urban areas, and pastures. Killdeers are associated with temperate and tropical climates and can thrive in a range of altitudes, from sea level to mountainous regions.

Charadrius vociferus plays an important role in its ecosystem as an insectivore, feeding on a wide variety of invertebrates, including insects, worms, and crustaceans. It often forages on the ground, using a technique known as 'foot-trembling' to disturb prey. Killdeers are known for their distinctive double-banded chest marking and loud, vocal calls, which are used to communicate and warn off predators. They nest on the ground, often in gravel-like substrates, which support their camouflaging behaviors.