Red Knot

Description:

An adult Red Knot is the second largest Calidris sandpiper, measuring 23–26 cm (9–10 in) long with a 47–53 cm (18.5–21 in) wingspan. The body shape is typical for the genus, with a small head and eyes, a short neck and a slightly tapering bill that is no longer than its head. It has short dark legs and a medium thin dark bill. This one is in the winter, or basic, plumage that is uniformly pale grey.

Habitat:

Arctic tundra, saltwater marshes, beaches are typical places to observe red knots. This one was photographed along the beach at Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet, SC

Notes:

The red knot is truly a master of long-distance aviation. On wingspans of 20 inches, red knots fly more than 9,300 miles from south to north every spring and repeat the trip in reverse every autumn, making this bird one of the longest-distance migrants in the animal kingdom.