Red Knot
Red Knot
50
14 hours ago
The Red Knot, Calidris canutus, is a medium-sized shorebird belonging to the family Scolopacidae, renowned for its epic annual migrations between Arctic breeding grounds and temperate or tropical non-breeding areas across multiple continents. This highly social wader exhibits distinct plumage changes between breeding and non-breeding seasons, making it a charismatic species for birdwatchers worldwide.
Where to spot
Look for Red Knots primarily in coastal habitats such as expansive tidal mudflats, sandy beaches, and estuaries during their migration and non-breeding seasons. During the short Arctic summer, they can be found on dry, stony tundra.
How to spot
Spot them foraging actively in flocks along the water's edge, often probing deep into the substrate with their relatively short, straight bills. Listen for their characteristic, often soft 'knut' or 'kwit' calls, especially when in flight or when disturbed.
When to spot
They are most observable during their spectacular spring and autumn migrations, when large congregations gather at critical staging sites. They are active during both day and night, primarily dictated by tidal cycles for foraging. On breeding grounds, they are present during the Arctic summer (June-August), and in wintering grounds, they remain throughout the non-breeding season.
Where to spot
Look for Red Knots primarily in coastal habitats such as expansive tidal mudflats, sandy beaches, and estuaries during their migration and non-breeding seasons. During the short Arctic summer, they can be found on dry, stony tundra.
How to spot
Spot them foraging actively in flocks along the water's edge, often probing deep into the substrate with their relatively short, straight bills. Listen for their characteristic, often soft 'knut' or 'kwit' calls, especially when in flight or when disturbed.
When to spot
They are most observable during their spectacular spring and autumn migrations, when large congregations gather at critical staging sites. They are active during both day and night, primarily dictated by tidal cycles for foraging. On breeding grounds, they are present during the Arctic summer (June-August), and in wintering grounds, they remain throughout the non-breeding season.
Credits:
vanil.noir
Credits:
vanil.noir
Credits:
pietplaat
Credits:
pietplaat
Red Knots undertake one of the longest migratory journeys of any bird species, with some populations traveling over 30,000 kilometers (18,600 miles) annually from the Arctic to the southern tip of South America and back.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 4485 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 14 hours ago
Monthly observations
5 observations
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