Calidris canutus
Length:
23cm to 25cm
Wingspan:
47cm to 54cm
Weight:
125g to 215g
The knot is a small, wading bird that is short-legged and could be considered a little plump. In the summer, the belly, chest and face are all a bright red. In winter the knot is grey on top and white below.
Knots form large flocks in the winter and can be seen flashing their light underwings as they acrobatically turn in flight.
In the winter, large numbers of these birds visit the UK from the Arctic breeding grounds and spend their time predominately on the estuaries for feeding.
Their diets mainly consist of worms and shellfish.
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