Red Knot

Red Knot (Calidris canutus) is in the Sandpipers and Allies family (Scolopacidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 5,016 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: spring and fall migrant. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

Conservation status (iNaturalist): NT.

When to photograph Red Knot: observations by month (U.S.)

About Red Knot

The red knot (Calidris canutus) (just knot in English-speaking Europe) 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.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Red Knot by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Sandpipers and Allies)

WilletTringa semipalmata

SanderlingCalidris alba

Least SandpiperCalidris minutilla

Spotted SandpiperActitis macularius

Greater YellowlegsTringa melanoleuca

Ruddy TurnstoneArenaria interpres

Marbled GodwitLimosa fedoa

Long-billed CurlewNumenius americanus

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ