Red knot

Calidris canutus

The red knot or just knot (Calidris canutus) is a medium-sized shorebird which breeds in tundra and the Arctic Cordillera in the far north of Canada, Europe, and Russia.

Family: Scolopacidae Order: Charadriiformes Conservation: Near Threatened
Red knot

About the Red knot

The red knot or just knot (Calidris canutus) is a medium-sized shorebird which breeds in tundra and the Arctic Cordillera in the far north of Canada, Europe, and Russia. It is a large member of the Calidris sandpipers, second only to the great knot. Six subspecies are recognised. Their diet varies according to season; arthropods and larvae are the preferred food items at the breeding grounds, while various hard-shelled molluscs are consumed at other feeding sites at other times. North American breeders migrate to coastal areas in Europe and South America, while the Eurasian populations winter in Africa, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand. This species forms enormous flocks when not breeding.

Fun Facts About Red knot

  • This species forms enormous flocks when not breeding.
  • Their diet varies according to season; arthropods and larvae are the preferred food items at the breeding grounds, while various hard-shelled molluscs are consumed at other feeding sites at other times.
  • The red knot or just knot (Calidris canutus) is a medium-sized shorebird which breeds in tundra and the Arctic Cordillera in the far north of Canada, Europe, and Russia.
  • It is a large member of the Calidris sandpipers, second only to the great knot.

Conservation Status

The Red knot is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. This species faces threats that could impact its population if conservation measures are not maintained.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyScolopacidae
GenusCalidris
SpeciesCalidris canutus

Range & Habitat

Range map of Red knot

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Related Species

Other species in the Scolopacidae family: