shorebird
Bird Name
English Name: Red Knot
Scientific Name: Calidris canutus
Appearance
The Red Knot is renowned for its striking red-brown summer plumage which inspired its common name. In its non-breeding season, the bird presents a greyish-white hue, lending a monochromatic appearance. It has a short, straight beak, ideal for probing into sand and mud in search of food, and dark, attentive eyes that unveil an undeniably wild spirit. Males and females look nearly identical, with subtle differences that are hardly discernible to inexperienced observers.
Size
The Red Knot is relatively small, measuring about 23-26 cm (9-10 in) in length. It boasts a substantial wingspan from 47 to 53 cm (19 to 21 in), which is instrumental in its epic migrations. These spectacular birds have an average weigh ranging between 100 and 200 grams.
Habitat & Distribution
Red Knots are truly cosmopolitan – they breed in the high Arctic of Canada, Russia, and Greenland and winter in various parts of the world, including South America, Africa, Australia, and Europe. They have an extraordinary tie to coastal habitats, relying on beaches, marshes, and mudflats for foraging during both their breeding and wintering periods.
Interesting Facts
1. Red Knots are among the longest-distance migrators, covering 9,000 miles one-way in some cases.
2. They time their migration to coincide with the spawning of horseshoe crabs on the American east coast, feeding intensively on the eggs to fuel their journey.
3. Red Knots were once sought after for their meat in the US, leading to a dramatic population decline in the late 1800s.
Diet
These birds primarily feed on small invertebrates, especially bivalves, snails, and crustaceans. During the migration, they rely heavily on the eggs of horseshoe crabs.
Behaviour & Sounds
Red Knots display strong fidelity to particular stopover sites during migration, returning year after year. They typically forage by probing into the sand with their beaks, occasionally engaged in active ‘foot-trembling’ to dislodge hidden prey. Their call is a soft “knut-knut”.
Conservation Status
The rufa subspecies of the Red Knot is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Protecting stopover sites and managing horseshoe crab harvest are critical for the survival of this long-distance traveller.
Lifespan
On average, Red Knots can live up to 15-20 years in the wild.
Additional Notes
In other languages, Red Knots are known as “Pietuvinis begikas” (Lithuanian), “Bonte Strandloper” (Dutch), and “Maçarico-de-papo-vermelho” (Portuguese). There exists a profound cultural reverence for these birds in some communities along their migratory routes, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.
Their migratory spectacle and ability to withstand harsh environments make the Red Knots an enduring emblem of the natural world’s resilience and beauty, reminding us of the imperative to respect and take care of the biodiversity we are privileged to share the planet with.
