The Knot
Knot
Calidris canutus L 25. Arctic species. Winters on large sandy or muddy estuaries, sometimes in huge flocks at favoured localities. On. migration regular in small flocks along coast (rare inland), often with Dunlin. Much larger than Dunlin (body size as Redshank's) but typical Calidris in behaviour. Body almost disproportionately big and stout (long-distance flier, powerful 'engine'), bill rather short. Adults in summer plumage beautiful copper-red below. In winter plumage pale greywith delicate scaly pattern (fine black and white feather edges). Juveniles resemble adult in winter plumage, but darker grey upperparts have more distinct scaly pattern and breast tinged buff. Pale grey (vermiculated) rump in all plumages. Call a hoarse, nasal, squeaky 'wettwett' (softer than Bar-tailed Godwit's). Display 'kooklUee, kooklUee, . . .', like subdued Curlew. WP
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising
birds is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain
and Europe, which is a comprehensive reference
guide to Britain and mainland Europe's plethora
of ornithological life.
