Species Profile
Red Knot
Calidris canutus
Red Knot
Quick Facts
Conservation
NTNear ThreatenedAlso known as: Knot, Lesser Knot
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Appearance
The Red Knot is a medium-sized shorebird with a distinctive plumage that changes dramatically between seasons.
In breeding plumage, it displays a striking rusty-red face, breast, and underparts, contrasting with its grey back and wings. Breeding females are similar to males, although their plumage is less vibrant, with less red colouring.
During non-breeding seasons, Red Knots transform to a plain grey above and white below. During this time, males and females are alike. They have a straight black bill and short, dark legs. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but with scaly patterning on their backs.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Red
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Red Knots breed in the high Arctic tundra and winter on coastal areas across the globe. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica during different parts of their annual cycle.
In North America, they are common along both coasts during migration. Key stopover sites include Delaware Bay in the USA and the Bay of Fundy in Canada.
They also frequent coastal areas in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand during non-breeding seasons.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Diet
Red Knots primarily feed on small invertebrates, including molluscs, crustaceans, marine worms and spiders.
During migration, they rely heavily on horseshoe crab eggs in some regions, with Delaware Bay being a significant stopover point on northward migrations each spring.
Early arrivals to breeding grounds may eat shoots and plant matter if the landscape is not fully thawed for insect life to be widely available.
Their bills are specially adapted to probe for prey in sand and mud, often feeding in large groups during low tide.
Behaviour
Red Knots are known for their impressive long-distance migrations, flying up to 30,000 km (around 18,600 miles) annually. They often gather in large flocks, probing the sand or mud with their bills to find food.
During the breeding season, males perform aerial displays, flying in wide circles while calling to attract females.
Calls & Sounds
Red Knots are usually silent when foraging alone, but they have a distinctive call, often described as a soft, low 'knut-knut' or 'tut-tut'.
During the breeding season, males produce a more melodious song, a series of fluty whistles that sound like 'tu-li-li-li', often given during display flights over their territories.
Nesting & Breeding
Red Knots breed in the Arctic tundra during the brief summer. Males arrive first and establish territories, performing aerial displays to attract females.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often lined with leaves and lichen. Females typically lay 4 olive-green eggs with brown spots. Both parents share incubation duties.
The incubation period lasts about 22 days, and chicks are precocial, able to leave the nest and feed themselves shortly after hatching. They fledge after about 18-20 days.
Conservation
Red Knots face significant conservation challenges due to habitat loss and climate change. Overharvesting of horseshoe crabs, a key food source during migration, has impacted some populations.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting critical stopover sites and regulating horseshoe crab harvests.
Elevation
Sea level to 300 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Red Knots face predation from various species, including Arctic foxes, jaegers, and large gulls on their breeding grounds. During migration and winter, falcons and other raptors pose threats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Red Knots on coastal mudflats and sandy beaches during migration seasons.
- Observe their rapid probing behaviour as they feed in shallow water.
- In spring, watch for their distinctive rusty-red breeding plumage.
- Listen for their soft 'knut-knut' call, especially in flight.
Did You Know?
- Red Knots can double their body weight before long migratory flights.
- Some Red Knots fly the equivalent of the Earth's circumference in their lifetime.
- Their scientific name, Calidris canutus, is linked to King Canute of England, who allegedly tried to command the tides.
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