Red Knot

Calidris canutus

Genus · Calidris Sandpipers Family · Sandpipers and Allies
Observation tips Difficulty: MODERATE
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
MarineRiver

Best seen in winter on coastal mudflats and wetlands. Look for a stocky, pale grey wader larger than a Dunlin. In late spring, look for birds turning red before they head north.

Red Knot
Stats
Wingspan47–54 cm
Weight100–220 g
Length23–26 cm
Lifespan wild10–15 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeScrape
Clutch size3–4 eggs
Incubation21–23 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
NT
Near Threatened (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationMigratory
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Carnivore

🐚Mollusks
🦀Crustaceans
🦗Insects
🪱Worms

Habitat

🌊 Marine🏞️ River❄️ Tundra
✦ Fun Fact

Red Knots don’t rely on sight alone when foraging — their sensitive bill tips help them feel for hidden prey beneath the sand as they probe along tidal flats.

About

A stocky wader with a short neck, straight bill, and greenish-grey legs. It is a champion of long-distance migration. It travels from the high Arctic to wintering sites as far south as Africa. In Europe, it lives on mudflats and coastal wetlands. During summer, its underparts turn a deep, rich brick-red.

Behaviour

Knots are highly social and are rarely seen alone. They forage in dense 'carpets' on mudflats. They probe the sediment for small clams and swallow them whole. Their powerful gizzard crushes the shells. Their flight is fast and occurs in immense, tight-knit flocks of thousands.

Similar species

Sanderling
🐦
Sanderling
Calidris alba
Spotted Redshank
🐦
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropus
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