The Migration Adventure of the Red Knot
The red knot is an attractive, eye-catching bird that frequents the shoreline. It winters along the southeastern coast of the United States and on down to South America. But when the migration and breeding urge sets in, this little bird sets out on a migration course that is both a courageous testimony and an example to its endurance.
The red knot hails from the family Scolopacidae. Its scientific name is Calidris canutus. We can identify with the red knot in its use of color. During the spring and summer, our friend is dressed in brighter-colored and variegated feathers, with a red breast, and "shingled" markings on its back. During the late fall and winter months, the plumage turns drab and grey; very much like people who wear bright colors in spring and summer, then return to darker neutrals during colder weather. The red knot measures 10-11 ", (25-28cm) in length. It has an ample, almost stocky build. In comparison, the bill is rather short. The usual fall/winter residences are shorelines, and tidal flats. During its summer breeding activity, the bird chooses the harsh tundra. When the red knot speaks, it has a low voice, emitting a sound like "knut" or "tooit-wit", or "wah-quoit".
Perhaps the most amazing things about the red knot are its migration and breeding habits. This bird flies the Atlantic flyway as its migration route. The annual round trip between wintering and breeding grounds is estimated at 20,000 miles! Beginning in their southeastern wintering grounds, they fly north, stopping for food and rest at established migratory feeding areas specific to their breed. The destination of choice is Delaware Bay; place for the annual spawning of the horseshoe crab. Their eggs provide the necessary sustenance for red knots to complete their final leg of the trip to the arctic, and to insure the energy necessary to reproduce.
There is nothing coincidental about these two events. Every spring, it is a simultaneous occurrence, usually coinciding with the phases of the moon. As the horseshoe crab spawns, billions of eggs are left behind along the shoreline of the bay. It is a veritable feast for the red knot, and some other birds. Delaware Bay is perhaps the most important stopover for the red knot as it continues its journey to the arctic tundra breeding area. Because there are so many eggs, the birds have very little actual "hunting" to do. They merely have to eat the abundance waiting for them.
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